Bell Potter names 2 of the best Australian ETFs to buy

These funds could be among the best to buy now according to the broker.

A fresh-faced young woman holds an Australian flag aloft above her head as she smiles widely.

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

  • Bell Potter recommends two Australian ETFs for broad domestic market exposure and growth potential in small caps.
  • One pick offers exposure to 300 large and liquid shares, providing representation of the Australian market with a notable dividend yield.
  • Another opportunity provides access to small cap companies, which might offer growth as interest rates increase.

If you are not a fan of stock-picking, then don't worry.

That's because exchange traded funds (ETFs) are here to save the day by allowing you to purchase large groups of shares with a single click of the button.

And to narrow things down for you, the team at Bell Potter has picked out two Australian ETFs that it thinks would be great picks for investors looking for domestic share market coverage.

Let's see which funds it is recommending to clients:

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The first Australian ETF for investors to consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

This popular fund offers exposure to the ASX 300 index, which is home to 300 of the largest and most liquid shares on the Australian share market.

This means that you would be buying a slice of giants like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), as well as smaller names like Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) and Tyro Payments Ltd (ASX: TYR).

The beauty of this is that you get a good representation of the Australian share market and its dividend culture. For example, at the last count, it was trading with a dividend yield of 3.1%. That's better than some savings accounts these days.

Commenting on why it thinks this ASX ETF is one of the best to buy, Bell Potter said:

We like VAS as a method of gaining broad market exposure to the ASX. Vanguard is a best-in-class ETF issuer in our view, ensuring optimal portfolio replication, high liquidity and reputable corporate action management.

Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VSO)

Another Australian ETF that the broker is positive on is the Vanguard MSCI Australian Small Companies Index ETF.

As you might have guessed from its name, this fund targets the smaller end of the share market.

Bell Potter highlights that the ETF is invested in a portfolio of Australian small cap companies, which creates an efficient mechanism to capture their long term performance. It points out that the index it tracks captures the smallest 14% of the Australian equity universe by free float market capitalisation.

Given how some analysts believe that small caps are set for a strong period as interest rates rise, it could be a good time to consider this fund. Bell Potter concludes:

VSO provides a simple, low-cost method to develop an allocation to small and mid cap equities. [..] Smaller companies typically have greater growth potential than large caps given they are often in an earlier stage of their growth cycle. Growth in these companies can enhance overall portfolio returns.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Universal Store. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Tyro Payments. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Universal Store. 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 person stands arms outstretched on the top of a mountain with a beautiful sunrise in the sky
ETFs

3 Australian ETFs to buy and hold forever

These ETFs might never go out of style.

Read more »

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
ETFs

3 stellar ASX ETFs for growth investors to buy in 2026

Looking to build wealth with ASX ETFs? Here are three to consider.

Read more »

ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.
ETFs

3 excellent ASX ETFs to buy with $3,000 in December

Got money to invest? These funds could be worth considering this month.

Read more »

A couple cheers as they sit on their lounge looking at their laptop and reading about the rising Redbubble share price
ETFs

3 reasons to buy the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ) ETF in 2026

This fund could be up there as one of the best to buy for 2026 and beyond.

Read more »

A man sitting at his dining table looks at his laptop and ponders the CSL balance sheet and the value of CSL shares today
ETFs

Own IOZ ETF? Here are your new investments

S&P Dow Jones Indices has announced the December quarter rebalance, which will impact IOZ ETF.

Read more »

Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.
ETFs

Guess how much $10,000 in these ASX ETFs at inception would be worth today?

Within a year or so, these three funds have brought big returns.

Read more »

A smartly-dressed businesswoman walks outside while making a trade on her mobile phone.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs perfect for building generational wealth

Let's see why these funds could be great buy and hold options for wealth builders.

Read more »

Five happy friends on their phones.
ETFs

The smartest ASX ETFs for investors in their 20s and 30s

Want to invest in your 20s or 30s? Here are three funds that could be smart picks.

Read more »