Many investors will choose an ASX ETF that tracks the US stock market as part of their portfolio.
The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) often acts as a global benchmark because it represents the performance of the largest and most influential U.S. companies, which drive trends in the world economy and financial markets.
This year, this index has risen roughly 9.25%. Nothing to complain about!
It's slightly ahead of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which is the largest 200 companies here in Australia.
However, there are three internationally focussed ASX ETFs that have blown both of these markets away, that track indexes not in Australia or the US.
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Vanguard Ftse Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)
As the name suggests, this fund offers a diversified portfolio of European securities.
It has more than 1,200 holdings in the fund, with no holding representing more than 2.16% of the total fund.
Its largest geographical exposure is to:
- U.K (23.6%)
- France (15.7%)
- Germany (14.8%)
- Switzerland (13.8%).
It has risen almost 19% already in 2025, more than double the ASX 200 or S&P 500.
iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)
This fund tracks the performance of 50 of the largest Asian companies domiciled in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan and listed in Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore or Taiwan.
Its largest geographical exposure is to Chinese companies (39.19%) followed by Taiwanese (34.07%).
It has risen almost 18% for the year to date.
It has been lifted by the 41% rise of Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700) this year which makes up 12% of the fund.
Additionally, its third largest holding by weight, Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), is up 56% for the year to date.
Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf (ASX: ASIA)
This fund tracks the 50 largest technology and online retail stocks in Asia (ex-Japan).
It has risen 22.85% for the year to date.
The fund is made up of similar holdings to the iShares Asia 50 ETF. However it has a slightly more balanced profile, with no holding representing more than 10.5%.
This fund is ideal for investors who want exposure to tech giants beyond Silicon Valley. It taps into some of the fastest-growing digital economies.
