Overexposed to the ASX 200? 2 ASX ETFs to add right now

These funds provide exposure to global defensive and trending sectors.

| More on:
Two men sit side by side on a couch with video game controls in their hands and expressive looks on their faces.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Key points

  • Many portfolios heavy in ASX 200 stocks may benefit from diversification due to its concentration in the financials, materials, and energy sectors.
  • The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) offers exposure to global healthcare, providing a defensive asset class that can remain stable during economic downturns.
  • The VanEck Vectors Video Gaming And eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO) targets the rapidly growing global gaming sector, with potential for growth due to increasing digital gameplay value and a large global player base.

For many investors, the ASX 200 will have a strong representation within their portfolio. 

This could be in the form of blue-chip shares, or an ASX ETF tracking these large Australian companies. 

However, the ASX 200 has large exposure to the financials, materials (mining and resources), and energy sectors. This makes it heavily influenced by banking, commodities, and resource-driven industries.

It's important for investors to gain exposure to overseas markets global sectors and growing trends.

Here are two ASX ETFs I would consider adding to your portfolio.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF is designed to measure the performance of global biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals companies. It includes large, mid and small-capitalisation stocks.

It has more than 1200 underlying holdings, with large exposure to US based companies. 

This fund could provide diversification into global healthcare companies, reducing reliance on the ASX 200's concentration in financials and resources. 

Many of these companies are defensive shares. This means demand for the products and services remains high even during an economic downturn when consumers reduce their overall spending.

Put simply, that's because people still need access to healthcare regardless of economic conditions. 

This is different to other sectors like consumer discretionary. Some of these companies engaged in luxury items or travel are more reliant on disposable income. 

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming And eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

While the previous fund is a defensive asset, the ESPO ETF may be a worthwhile investment for those looking to gain exposure to a rapidly growing sector. 

The fund gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the largest and most liquid companies involved in video game development, esports and related hardware and software globally.

According to a report from VanEck, the value of digital gameplay is rising rapidly with revenue expected to reach US$188.8 billion in 2025.

The global player base is projected to increase by 4.4% to 3.6 billion people in 2025. To put that into perspective, this is more than the top three most-populated countries combined.

Once again, this theme is largely based in countries outside of Australia, allowing ASX investors to gain exposure to a growing industry based largely in the US, China and Japan. 

This ASX ETF has already climbed 121.31% since its inception in September 2020. 

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

A smiling woman sits in a cafe reading a story on her phone about Rio Tinto and drinking a coffee with a laptop open in front of her.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs for beginner investors in 2026 and beyond

Starting your investment journey? Here's an easy way to start.

Read more »

A trendy woman wearing sunglasses splashes cash notes from her hands.
ETFs

Could this undervalued ASX stock be your ticket to millionaire status?

This investment could deliver almost everything an investor could want to reach $1 million.

Read more »

Young Female investor gazes out window at cityscape
ETFs

3 high-quality ASX ETFs to buy in December

Want to invest in the best stocks? Here's an easy way to do it.

Read more »

Two men look excited on the trading floor as they hold telephones to their ears and one points upwards.
ETFs

3 explosive ASX ETFs to buy and hold

These funds could be destined for big things in the future. Let's find out why.

Read more »

Miner with thumbs up at mine
ETFs

Expert names 2 preferred ASX ETFs reaping the rewards of surging mining shares

Mining-focused ASX ETFs have been boosted by rising commodity prices and higher mining share prices in 2025.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

This new ETF aims to pay high monthly dividends, helped along by gearing

A new ETF from Betashares aims to deliver a strong monthly dividend yield without excess volatility.

Read more »

A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock, indicating the ex-dividend date is approaching.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs I'd buy right now to build wealth

Here's why these funds could be destined to deliver big returns over the next decade.

Read more »

Three happy construction workers on an infrastructure site have a chat.
ETFs

Meet the newest ASX ETF from Betashares

Meet the new kid on the block.

Read more »