The perfect $50,000 ASX ETF portfolio for 2026

Here's a portfolio that could deliver the goods for investors over the long term.

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Key points

  • One ASX ETF provides exposure to innovative non-financial stocks, benefiting from growth in AI, cloud computing, and digital services, driven by major players like pivotal tech companies.
  • Another ETF focuses on Australian stocks with strong competitive advantages, targeting businesses with robust financials and steady earnings, helping investors maintain resilience through quality leaders.
  • A third ETF offers diversification with access to over 1,200 international stocks, acting as a global anchor for portfolios, alongside thematic ETFs focusing on Asia's rapidly growing tech sector.

Building long-term wealth doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, one of the smartest ways to invest is to construct a diversified exchange-traded fund (ETF) portfolio and let compounding do the rest.

For example, a $50,000 investment portfolio compounding at 10% per annum (not guaranteed) would turn into $335,000 in 20 years and then almost $900,000 after 30 years.

But how might you build a portfolio capable of growing at this rate over the long term? Let's take a look at a number of ASX ETFs that could be worth considering. They are as follows:

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Nasdaq is synonymous with innovation, and the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors access to 100 of the largest non-financial stocks listed on the exchange.

Heavyweight holdings such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) have powered the fund's strong long-term performance. And with artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services expected to be growth drivers for years to come, this ASX ETF could continue to deliver for investors over the long-term.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

If you want stocks with strong balance sheets, robust profitability, and low debt levels, then the Betashares Australian Quality ETF could be for you. This ASX ETF screens the local market for quality leaders, helping investors avoid businesses with shaky foundations.

Its portfolio includes world-class names like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), both of which enjoy strong competitive advantages and steady earnings. Over time, these types of businesses tend to outperform through resilience and consistency. This fund was recently highlighted as one to consider by Betashares.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Diversification is vital in any portfolio, and the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF delivers it in spades. This ASX ETF provides investors with exposure to more than 1,200 stocks across the developed world, from Nestle (SWX: NESN) in Europe to Toyota (TYO: 7203) in Japan.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF acts as a broad global anchor for an ETF portfolio, complementing the more thematic or concentrated approaches of other recommendations.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Finally, Asia's tech sector is home to some of the world's fastest-growing stocks. The BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors easy exposure to these stocks. This includes giants like WeChat owner Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), semiconductor leader Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), Temu owner PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and ecommerce giant Alibaba (NYSE: BABA).

With Asia expected to remain a powerhouse of innovation in areas like semiconductors, e-commerce, and fintech, this ASX ETF provides a way to tap into the region's enormous growth potential over the next decade and beyond.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Betashares Capital - Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and Wesfarmers. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and 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 Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, 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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