3 ASX ETFs for global growth and income

These funds offer income investors balanced global exposure.

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These 3 ASX ETFs offer a diversified spread across various global markets and investment styles. They balance regular income with participation in global earnings growth.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, but these ASX ETFs are practical building blocks for income-aware, globally diversified portfolios.

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Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

Income and stability start at home. Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF is the ASX's go-to high dividend yield ETF. This ASX ETF targets the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index. The ETF backs it with some of the biggest names on the local market like BHP and Commonwealth Bank of Australie.

Its trailing dividend yield sits well above the ASX 200 average, appealing to income-hungry investors. The ASX fund pays quarterly distributions. Over the longer term it has delivered respectable total returns by blending dividends with capital growth.

While precise six-month figures aren't always front-and-centre, the ASX ETF's broader performance has outpaced many local benchmarks. As a result VHY is underscoring its role as an Australian income anchor in diversified portfolios.

Global X S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF (ASX: ZYUS)

Global X S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF gives you direct US dividend exposure with a growth tilt. This ASX ETF plays on the power of high-yielding, lower-volatility US large caps like Pfizer and UPS.

ZYUS tracks the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index, aiming to smooth market swings while putting cash in your pocket. Its trailing dividend yield is around mid-single digits, which is solid compared to broader US ETFs.

Its six-month total return to the end of December 2025 registered just over 1%. This reflected a modest rebound in markets over that horizon. US dividends and selective stock quality help this ETF balance yield and growth within global portfolios.

iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)

To capture growth and dividends from Asia's corporate engine, this ASX ETF delivers exposure to 50 of the region's largest companies. iShares Asia 50 ETF spans technology champions like Taiwan Semiconductor, Alibaba, Samsung and Tencent.

Its current dividend yield hovers around the mid-2% range. It's not as high as dedicated income funds but meaningful for regional equities. However, its six-month total return is impressive at over 23%.

That blend of solid recent performance with recurring income makes this Asia focussed ETF a compelling Asian component alongside more income-centric Aussie and US holdings.

How they fit together

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF anchors your portfolio with strong local, franked income and defensive Aussie exposure. Global X S&P 500 High Yield Low Volatility ETF brings US dividend payers and downside cushioning traits into the mix. On the other hand, iShares Asia 50 ETF turbocharges your Asia exposure, leaning into growth markets without abandoning distributions entirely.

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield 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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