3 fantastic ASX ETFs for beginner investors

Starting your investment journey? Here are three funds to consider.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Getting started in the share market can feel overwhelming. With thousands of companies to choose from, it is hard to know where to begin. That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can make life easier.

That's because ETFs allow you to buy a basket of shares in a single trade, giving you instant diversification and reducing the risk that comes with owning just one or two companies.

They can be a great first step for beginner investors building a long-term portfolio.

With that in mind, here are three fantastic ASX ETFs worth considering if you are starting your investment journey.

A man looks surprised as a woman whispers in his ear.

Image source: Getty Images

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors easy exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange in the United States.

That means instant access to many of the world's most innovative businesses, including Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).

The Nasdaq 100 index has delivered strong returns over the long-term thanks to its focus on innovation. The good news is that given the quality of its holdings, this fund appears well-placed to continue this trend over the long term. Especially given its exposure to megatrends like artificial intelligence and robotics.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides broad exposure to more than 1,200 large and mid-sized companies across developed markets outside Australia. Its top holdings include Microsoft, Apple, Nestle (SWX: NESN), Novartis (SWX: NOVN), and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (FRA: MOH), giving you instant access to leading companies across multiple sectors and countries.

By holding the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, investors can diversify beyond the Australian market, reducing the risk of being too exposed to the performance of just one economy. For beginners, it is an easy way to build international exposure into a portfolio without having to pick individual overseas stocks.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

Finally, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF could be a good ASX ETF for beginners. It tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, giving investors exposure to a broad cross-section of the Australian share market. This includes major shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).

For beginners, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is a straightforward way to invest in Australia's largest and most established businesses. It offers a mix of growth potential and regular dividends, with the added benefit of franking credits for Australian investors.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, CSL, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Person working on a computer with a hologram of the word ETF along with finance-related images.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 Vanguard ETFs I'd buy and hold until 2036

A lot could change by 2036, and these are three ETFs I'd want to own along the way.

Read more »

ETF in written in different colours with different colour arrows pointing to it.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

2 ASX ETFs to buy as the market gathers strength: expert

Seeking investment inspiration in the rising market?

Read more »

A young investor working on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 super ASX ETFs for beginner investors

There are good reasons why these funds could be worth considering.

Read more »

ETF written in light blue on a chart.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

A200 vs NDQ: one Betashares ETF is the clear winner

This Betashares ETF has crushed the other on returns, but is it better?

Read more »

ETF in yellow with chart bars and piles of coins.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Here are 3 top Betashares ETFs I'd buy now

There is more to global investing than simply buying the biggest US companies.

Read more »

A businessman in a suit wears a medal around his neck and raises a fist in victory surrounded by two other businessmen in suits facing the other direction to him.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Which is the best Vanguard ETF? VAS, VGS and VDHG compared

VGS wins on returns, but the best ETF depends on you.

Read more »

A laughing man standing next to a woman holds out his arm to a payments machine to pay with his smartwatch
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 strong ASX ETFs for smart investors to buy and hold

Looking to invest for the long-term? Here are three funds worth a closer look.

Read more »

ETF written in white on a multi coloured background.
Dividend Investing

Why I'd buy these 2 ASX ETFs for $10,000 a year in passive income

These two ASX ETFs provide a diversified means to earning a $10,000 yearly passive income.

Read more »