The best ETFs to build long-term wealth on the ASX

Want to build wealth? Then check out these funds.

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Key points

  • ASX ETFs provide a pathway to long-term wealth with instant diversification and exposure to world-class stocks, making them ideal for investors aiming for steady growth.
  • The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF offer investors exposure to competitive, innovative companies poised to thrive across economic cycles.
  • For balance, the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF offers defensive global exposure, leveraging well-established consumer brands that generate consistent demand and profits.

When it comes to building lasting wealth, it is not about chasing the hottest trade or trying to time the market.

The key is to own quality assets that can grow steadily over time.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make that simple. They offer instant diversification, access to world-class stocks, and the power of compounding, all without needing to pick single stocks.

If you're investing for the next decade and beyond, these three ASX ETFs could form the foundation of a strong, long-term portfolio.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be an ASX ETF to buy and hold. It focuses on owning shares with sustainable competitive advantages and fair valuations.

Competitive advantages are something that Warren Buffett looks for when investing. These could include strong pricing power, loyal customer bases, high barriers of entry, and the ability to fend off competitors.

Current holdings include Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT), Nike (NYSE: NKE), and Estée Lauder (NYSE: EL).

From semiconductors and fashion to consumer goods, this ASX ETF's portfolio is filled with proven global leaders that have demonstrated an ability to adapt, innovate, and grow through economic cycles. For investors seeking a resilient, compounding core ETF, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF offers exposure to the kind of businesses that can steadily build wealth for decades.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

For investors looking to capture the industries of the future, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF could be the one. It provides exposure to some of the world's most advanced technology and automation stocks.

Its holdings include ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), a global industrial automation powerhouse; Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), the semiconductor leader driving artificial intelligence innovation; and Fanuc Corp (TYO: 6954), a Japanese robotics manufacturer shaping the next generation of automated production.

As AI, robotics, and machine learning continue to transform the global economy, demand for this technology is only expected to accelerate. The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors a straightforward way to participate in this powerful megatrend. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

While innovation drives growth, stability is what sustains it. And that is where the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF comes in.

This ASX ETF holds some of the world's most dependable and profitable consumer brands, including Walmart (NYSE: WMT), Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO), and L'Oreal (FRA: LOR). These are companies that have survived and thrived through every kind of market environment, supported by consistent demand for everyday products.

Consumer staples tend to perform well in both good and bad times, offering balance to portfolios heavy in growth or cyclical stocks. The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF provides investors with defensive global exposure while still benefiting from the compounding power of well-established, cash-generating businesses.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Applied Materials, Nike, Nvidia, and Walmart. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Fanuc. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended iShares International Equity ETFs - iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nike, Nvidia, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. 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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