3 ASX ETFs to build a globally diversified portfolio

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

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 Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

A couple cheers as they sit on their lounge looking at their laptop and reading about the rising Redbubble share price
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Already own ASX 200 and S&P 500 ETFs? Here are 3 I'd buy next

Let's dig deeper into why these funds could be top picks.

Read more »

Happy man and woman looking at the share price on a tablet.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Is NDQ the best ETF to buy?

Some of the world's biggest technology companies are driving enormous changes. Is this ETF is the best way to invest…

Read more »

Man working on a big screen which is displaying global information about stocks with data.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Would it be a smart investment to buy the VEU ETF?

The US dominates many investment discussions, but I'm interested in the opportunities available elsewhere.

Read more »

Happy young couple riding a motorbike together.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 top ASX ETFs for Aussie investors in November

Looking for easy investment options/ These three funds tick a lot of boxes.

Read more »

ETF written in green on a piggy bank with increasing pile of coins.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Looking for income options ahead of CGT tax changes? One expert compares 2 ASX ETFs

Experts expect investors to pivot toward ASX income options due to impending CGT changes.

Read more »

ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 reasons why this top ASX ETF is a buy

I think this leading ASX ETF is a buy right now.

Read more »

Couple on their laptop in their home kitchen.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Why these Vanguard ETFs are on my shopping list

I like each of these ETFs for a different reason, which is exactly why they stand out.

Read more »

Two colleagues looking at a graph and comparing share prices.
Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

3 of the best ASX ETFs to buy in November

Here's why these funds could be worth considering ahead of next month.

Read more »