The ASX ETFs I'd buy for my kids or grandkids

These funds could build significant wealth over multiple decades.

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Key points

  • The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides a powerful avenue for long-term wealth, capitalising on the rapid growth of tech titans like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia—making it ideal for children to harness decades of compounding.
  • With India's economy on a trajectory of swift expansion, the Betashares India Quality ETF offers a stake in high-performing companies like Reliance and Infosys, positioned to thrive amid urbanisation and rising income levels.
  • Investing in the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF allows access to pioneering companies like Tencent and Samsung, capturing Asia's booming tech scene, which could offer substantial growth over a child's lifetime.

I don't have kids yet, but if and when I do, there is one thing I'm absolutely certain about. I'd want to give them the best possible financial foundation.

And for anyone thinking about building long-term wealth for children or grandchildren, a simple, low-maintenance investment strategy is often the smartest way forward.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. With just a few high-quality ETFs, you can create a globally diversified portfolio designed to compound steadily over decades.

If I were building a long-term portfolio for future kids or grandkids, these are three ASX ETFs I would consider choosing.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is home to some of the world's most innovative businesses. This includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). These are companies driving advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, and consumer technology.

The Nasdaq has a long track record of outperforming many global indices thanks to its focus on high-growth sectors. Over a 10- to 20-year period, these businesses tend to reinvest heavily, innovate quickly, and grow earnings at a far faster rate than traditional industries.

For a child or grandchild with decades ahead of them, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be a powerful long-term compounding machine.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

India is shaping up to be one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, driven by rapid urbanisation, favourable demographics, and rising disposable incomes.

The Betashares India Quality ETF gives Australian investors a simple way to participate in this growth by owning a basket of high-quality Indian stocks that have been screened for strong profitability and financial strength.

Some of its notable holdings include Reliance Industries (NSEI: RELIANCE), Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and Tata Consultancy Services (NSEI: TCS). These are businesses that play central roles in India's digital transformation, infrastructure expansion, and economic development.

As India's middle class continues to grow and consumption accelerates, the country's long-term investment case looks compelling. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Asia is home to some of the most influential technology companies on the planet, and the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF captures them in a single trade.

This popular ASX ETF invests in giants such as Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA). These are businesses that dominate gaming, social media, e-commerce, semiconductors, and AI hardware.

The region's tech sector is expanding rapidly as digital adoption accelerates, cloud usage grows, and AI investment soars. For a child with decades of compounding ahead, exposure to Asia's innovation engine could be incredibly valuable.

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, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group 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, and Nvidia. 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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