3 no-brainer ASX ETFs to buy and hold

You don't need a brain to see that these funds are world-class options.

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Key points

  • The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers diversified exposure to leading tech companies like Apple and Amazon, benefiting from strong historical performance and future growth trends in technology.
  • The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides broad diversification across over 1,200 global stocks, including major names like Nestle and Toyota, making it a core holding for long-term investment.
  • The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF focuses on quality stocks with strong free cash flow, such as Mastercard and Johnson & Johnson, positioning it to outperform broader markets by targeting financially resilient companies.

For investors who want to build long-term wealth without the stress of picking individual shares, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a no-brainer solution.

They offer instant diversification and exposure to some of the world's most powerful investment themes, all through a single trade on the ASX.

If you're looking to buy and hold for the next decade or more, here are three top ASX ETFs that could help you grow your portfolio steadily over time.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors exposure to many of the highest quality stocks in the world.

This tech-focused ASX ETF gives you instant access to the likes of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN).

These global giants are driving the future of technology through cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. The Nasdaq 100 has historically delivered strong returns and, given the quality it holds, it wouldn't be surprising if this trend continues in the future.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another no-brainer ASX ETF for investors to consider buying is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. It provides diversified exposure to more than 1,200 global stocks across the US, Europe, and Asia.

It includes many household names such as Nestle (SWX: NESN), Toyota (TYO: 7203), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT), giving investors a simple and cost-effective way to own a slice of the world's biggest businesses.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF has been designed to be a core holding for long-term investors, offering broad international diversification and steady compounding potential. In light of this, it isn't hard to see why it is one of the most popular ETFs on the ASX.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

Finally, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF could be worth a look. It focuses on quality, investing in stocks with a proven ability to generate strong free cash flow. This is one of the best indicators of financial health and resilience.

This approach tilts the portfolio towards highly profitable businesses with stable earnings and strong management. Current holdings include firms like Mastercard (NYSE: MA), Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), all of which consistently generate reliable cash flows.

By targeting stocks that can fund growth, pay dividends, and buy back shares, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF is well-positioned to outperform broader global markets over time. For this reason, it was recently named as one to consider buying by analysts at Betashares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, and Walmart. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson 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 Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares 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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