2 ASX ETFs that this expert holds in his SMSF — and why

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory reveals 2 of his self-managed superannuation holdings.

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Key points
  • Andrew Wielandt holds the Betashares Australian Quality ETF in his SMSF for its focus on high return on equity, low leverage, and earnings stability, with an annualised return of 14.5% since inception. 
  • AQLT's top holdings are Wesfarmers, BHP, Telstra, and National Australia Bank.
  • Wielandt also invests in Plato Global Alpha Fund Complex ETF for its global diversification and consistent outperformance, with an annualised return of 24.74% since inception, including top performers like Nvidia and Microsoft.

Andrew Wielandt from DP Wealth Advisory has revealed two ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that he holds in his self-managed super fund (SMSF) and his reasons for choosing them.

Wielandt has nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and owns the Toowoomba-based DP Wealth Advisory.

A former associate director at Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), Wielandt and his team manage $800 million in investment funds.

Let's find out which 2 ASX ETFs inspired Wielandt to invest for his retirement.

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Which 2 ASX ETFs did this expert choose for his SMSF?

On The Bull this week, Wielandt revealed that he holds Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT) in his self-managed super fund.

As we reported, AQLT ETF is currently the best performer, in terms of price growth, within the Betashares ETF range for 2025 so far.

Wielandt explains why he invests in this ASX ETF:

This fund, comprising 40 high quality Australian companies, aims to outperform the S&P/ASX 200 Index over the long term.

Recent portfolio holdings include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

The fund targets companies with a high return on equity (ROE), low leverage and relative earnings stability.

Fund returns after fees stood at 23.5 per cent for the 12 months to August 29.

Wielandt has a buy rating on this ASX ETF.

Betashares investment strategist, Tom Wickenden, says AQLT ETF ignores market capitalisation and focuses on quality:

This translates to higher exposure to names like Telstra and Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and lower exposure to BHP and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), alongside quality-tilted names from the mid and small caps … including Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME), HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB) and Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG).

Wickenden said AQLT ETF had outperformed the broader market since its inception in 2022, returning an average of 14.5% per year.

The other ASX ETF Wielandt invests in is the Plato Global Alpha Fund Complex ETF (ASX: PGA1).

This ASX ETF aims to outperform the MSCI World Net Returns Unhedged Index by 4% per annum (after fees) over the medium to long term.

Plato says the fund has "an all-weather investment style that seeks to deliver consistent alpha over the cycle".

Alpha refers to the level of outperformance or underperformance an equity achieves relative to an industry index.

Wielandt explained the appeal of this ASX ETF:

The fund invests in diversified companies across the globe offering value, growth and quality.

In August, the fund delivered a return of 1.59 per cent after fees, outperforming the MSCI world benchmark by 0.65 per cent.

Since its inception in September 2021, the fund has achieved an annualised return of 24.74 per cent after fees, outperforming the benchmark by 12.51 per cent per annum.

The ASX ETF's returns are unhedged in Australian dollars.

Wielandt added:

Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon are among the top 10 total return contributors in the past 12 months.

The company's diversified international exposure and potential outperformance above the benchmark are appealing.

Wielandt also has a buy rating on this ASX ETF.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in BHP Group and BetaShares Australian Quality ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Hub24, Macquarie Group, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Pro Medicus. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group and Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group, Hub24, Pro Medicus, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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