For investors with a long-term mindset, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the simplest ways to build wealth. By owning just a handful of well-chosen funds, you can capture the growth of entire markets and powerful megatrends, all while reducing the risk that comes from betting on individual stocks.
Here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the next decade.
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives investors exposure to the 500 largest stocks in the United States. This covers technology, consumer staples, healthcare, and more. Beyond the usual tech giants, the index also includes businesses like Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) in heavy machinery, AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) in pharmaceuticals, and Costco (NASDAQ: COST) in retail.
With the U.S. market consistently delivering long-term growth, the iShares S&P 500 ETF remains one of the best core holdings for buy-and-hold investors.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides diversified exposure to more than 1,200 stocks across developed markets outside Australia. That means instant access to household names like Nestle (SWX: NESN) in Switzerland, Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930) in South Korea, and Siemens AG (ETR: SIE) in Germany.
For investors seeking true global diversification, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF spreads risk across multiple regions and industries, making it a strong complement to an ASX-heavy portfolio.
Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF ETF taps into the growth of Asia's technology leaders, an area often underrepresented in Australian portfolios. It includes companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM), Tencent (SEHK: 700), and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).
These businesses are driving innovation in semiconductors, e-commerce, and digital services for billions of consumers, offering a powerful long-term growth story.
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)
Consumer staples may not be the most exciting sector, but they're among the most reliable. The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF invests in the world's biggest food, beverage, and household goods companies — businesses that generate steady sales regardless of economic conditions.
Its holdings include Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) in household products, Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) in beverages, and Unilever (LON: ULVR) in packaged goods. These stocks tend to deliver consistent dividends and steady growth, making them an ideal ballast for a long-term portfolio.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)
Finally, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF focuses on U.S. companies with competitive advantages and fair valuation. While names like Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) are well known, the ETF also holds less frequently mentioned businesses such as Allegion (NYSE: ALLE) in security products, West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE: WST) in medical packaging, and Teradyne (NASDAQ: TER) in industrial testing equipment.
This focus on moats means that the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF's portfolio is tilted toward stocks that can defend their market share and generate consistent returns for years to come.
