Own the Global X GARP ETF? The fund just made some key changes

Here's a rundown on recent changes to GARP ETF.

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The Global X S&P World Ex Australia Garp Etf (ASX: GARP) is a great ASX ETF for investors focussed on growth. 

The GARP acronym stands for growth at a reasonable price. 

It was made famous by investor Peter Lynch.

The strategy seeks to combine the best facets of growth and value investing approaches to select individual stock investments.

In the words of Global X, the fund provides access to global companies with:

  • Strong earnings growth
  • Solid financial strength
  • Reasonable valuations

Inside GARP's December 2025 Rebalance

In a fresh report out of the ETF provider yesterday, it highlighted the changes made to the fund.

These changes went into effect in December.

Marc Jocum, Senior Product and Investment Strategist said the latest rebalance resulted in a measured refresh rather than a wholesale shift. 

While some individual holdings changed, the portfolio's core identity remains intact.

It is tilted toward high-quality global companies with improving earnings momentum, resilient fundamentals, and reasonable valuations.

Periods of market noise often tempt investors to chase momentum or retreat to defensives. However, the most durable outcomes tend to come from discipline – owning companies that can consistently grow earnings, maintain balance sheet strength, and trade at a fair price.

What's in?

According to the report, the December 2025 rebalance saw the addition of companies where earnings are improving, but valuations are yet to fully re-rate.

The first inclusion was Rolls-Royce Plc (LSE: RR.). 

Global X said this was due to expanding earnings margins, driven by higher engine flying hours, improved pricing, a greater mix of recurring services revenue, and disciplined cost control.

The company is also emerging as a beneficiary of the AI-driven power generation theme. 

Another inclusion to the fund was Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) due to improved earnings momentum across its diversified entertainment ecosystem.

Additionally, SoftBank (OTC: SFBQ.F) – a global technology investment conglomerate was added. This was thanks to its unique leverage to the AI megatrend. 

What's out?

The GARP ETF also saw key stock removals from the fund. 

Global X said several high-quality franchises were removed not because their businesses are broken, but because growth has slowed, balance sheet risks have risen, or valuations are no longer warranted.

  • Visa (NYSE: V) was exited as earnings growth moderated, balance sheet leverage increased, all amidst regulatory and competitive pressures intensified.
  • Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), despite its exceptional business model, faced slowing revenue momentum and emerging margin headwinds, challenging to reconcile with a premium valuation.
  • General Motors (NYSE: GM) screened as optically cheap, but weakening margins and falling returns on equity, perhaps due to uncertainty around EV strategy, meant GM no longer fit a GARP framework.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Costco Wholesale, Visa, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended General Motors and Rolls-Royce Plc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Visa and Walt Disney. 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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