Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) is a quality bank and its shares have been a great investment this year.
But given how its shares (and the rest of the big four) look expensive now, they may not be the best option for investors.
But if you aren't sure which ASX shares to buy instead of Australia's oldest bank, then you could turn to exchange traded funds (ETFs) instead.
But which ASX ETFs could be top buys? Here are three that could be worth considering:
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iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)
The first ASX ETF for investors to consider buying is the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. It provides the kind of stability that could make it a core building block of any long-term portfolio.
This fund invests in leading global stocks that produce everyday essentials. These are products people buy regardless of the economic climate. Its top holdings include Nestle (SWX: NESN), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), and Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO). These businesses benefit from consistent demand, strong brand loyalty, and global reach.
It is for these reasons that consumer staples are often considered defensive stocks. They may not grow as fast as tech firms, but they compound steadily over time.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
Another ASX ETF for investors to consider buying instead of Westpac shares is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.
This popular fund provides investors with diversified exposure to more than 1,200 global stocks from across the US, Europe, and Asia. It includes many household names such as Nestle, 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.
It also effortlessly allows investors to diversify their portfolio beyond the local share market and expose it to global economic growth.
Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
Finally, if income is your goal, then the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF could be worth a closer look.
This ASX ETF tracks a basket of ASX shares that have the highest forecast dividend yields based on broker expectations.
This gives investors exposure to some of Australia's best dividend payers, including Westpac. Its top holdings currently include BHP, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). These blue chips have long histories of delivering fully franked dividends, even during challenging market conditions.
This fund currently trades with a 4.2% dividend yield.
