For years, many Australian investors have relied on the big four banks, especially Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), as the backbone of their portfolios.
But with bank valuations looking increasingly stretched and analysts warning of limited upside from here, now could be the perfect time to rethink that approach.
Rather than doubling down on bank shares, investors may be better served by pivoting to a simple, diversified exchange traded fund (ETF) strategy that offers both global exposure and long-term compounding potential.
Two ASX ETFs in particular stand out and are named below. Here's why they could be far more rewarding than sticking with overstretched bank stocks.
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Bank valuations are looking stretched
CBA shares and the rest of the big four continue to trade at a significant premium to global banking peers. And while this hasn't stopped the banks from charging higher in recent years, there are signs that the tide could be turning.
The broader banking sector faces headwinds from slower credit growth, margin pressure, intense competition, a softer economic backdrop, and limited earnings expansion.
When you pay a high price for moderate growth, future returns tend to disappoint. That's why now may be an opportune time for investors to diversify beyond the big four and into ETFs holding companies with far more attractive growth prospects.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)
If your goal is to own high-quality businesses at reasonable valuations, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be one of the smartest ETFs on the ASX.
The fund invests in US-listed stocks that analysts believe possess durable competitive advantages, or wide moats, giving them long-lasting pricing power and profitability.
Some of its major holdings include Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Nike (NYSE: NKE), and Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), all global brands with massive customer reach and strong returns on capital.
By focusing on quality and fair valuations, this fund filters out the short-term noise and targets stocks with genuine staying power. For Australian investors searching for long-term wealth creation, it could be a compelling alternative to bank-heavy portfolios.
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
For simple, broad exposure to the world's largest and most successful stocks, the iShares S&P 500 ETF is hard to beat.
This ASX ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving you instant ownership of giants such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT).
The US market has consistently outperformed Australian equities over multiple decades, driven by innovation, scale, and a deep pool of high-growth stocks. By holding this fund, investors tap directly into these global leaders rather than relying on traditional sectors like banking and resources.
