3 ASX ETFs to build a globally diversified portfolio

These funds give investors access to some of the best stocks in the world.

| 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

One of the biggest mistakes many Australian investors make is concentrating too heavily on local shares.

While the ASX has plenty of high-quality shares, it represents only a small slice of the global market.

This means many investors miss out on exposure to world-leading stocks in sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer brands.

The good news is that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to diversify globally in just a few trades.

And listed below are three ASX ETFs that can give you a world-class portfolio without leaving the local market. Here's what you need to know about them:

Global technology shares

Image source: Getty Images

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is one of the simplest ways to own a slice of the developed world's largest stocks. It tracks the MSCI World ex-Australia Index, giving investors a slice of over 1,200 global businesses across the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Its holdings currently include giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nestle (SWX: NESN), and LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (FRA: MOH). With such breadth, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF works perfectly as a foundation for global diversification, complementing an Australian-focused core.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

For those who want direct exposure to some of the best U.S. stocks, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be the way to do it. It provides access to the Nasdaq 100, home to some of the world's most influential stocks including Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN).

Over the long term, the Nasdaq has been one of the best-performing indices globally. And it wouldn't be surprising if this trend continued, given its exposure to megatrends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and e-commerce, which are likely to shape the next few decades.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Finally, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be an ASX ETF to buy for global investing. It takes a different approach by focusing on quality. It invests in fairly valued U.S. companies that have sustainable competitive advantages that allow them to fend off competition and grow profits over time.

Current holdings include Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Nike (NYSE: NKE), and Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS). The strategy has a track record of strong performance, and is one that Warren Buffett uses, arguably making the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF a great complement to broader index funds.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nike, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, and Walt Disney. 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 Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Family cheering in front of TV.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 10 years

These funds could be worth considering for the next decade.

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
ETFs

3 of the best ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026

If you are new to investing, then it could be worth considering these funds. Let's see why.

Read more »

two colleagues high five each other as they sit side by side at a long desk in front of their laptop computers in an office environment.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036

Investors might want to check out these funds for easy long-term investing.

Read more »

A businessman lights up the fifth star in a lineup, indicating positive share price for a top performer
ETFs

Bell Potter names 2 of the best ASX ETFs to buy now

These funds offer investors access to some of the best stocks in the world.

Read more »

ETF written in white and in shopping baskets.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs to buy before the rally really takes off: expert

James Gerrish from Shaw and Partners says the "war fear" in the market is now fading and names 3 ASX…

Read more »

2 smiling women looking at a phone.
ETFs

Why I'd buy these BetaShares ETFs for my portfolio in April

I think these BetaShares ETFs offer a mix of growth, resilience, and long-term potential.

Read more »

Children skipping and jumping up a hill.
ETFs

This monthly income ASX ETF yields 7%, and every ASX investor should take note

The price of this ASX ETF has climbed higher over the past 12 months.

Read more »

Happy man and woman looking at the share price on a tablet.
ETFs

3 cheap ASX ETFs to buy for the tech rebound

The funds have fallen heavily and now could be the time to pounce on them.

Read more »