3 ASX ETFs for global growth and income

These funds offer income investors balanced global exposure.

| More on:
Woman holding $50 notes with a delighted face.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

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.

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.

More on ETFs

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

5 ASX ETFs to buy with $20,000 in February

Let's see what these funds offer Aussie investors.

Read more »

A woman wearing the black and yellow corporate colours of a leading bank gazes out the window in thought as she holds a tablet in her hands.
ETFs

I would forget ANZ bank shares and buy these ASX ETFs

Diversification matters more to me than squeezing extra value from one institution.

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a rising green arrow.
ETFs

I think these 2 ASX ETFs are unmissable buys in this sell-off

These investments look very attractive to me…

Read more »

Smiling business woman calculates tax at desk in office.
ETFs

With global valuations stretched here are 3 great income ASX ETFs

Expecting a flat ASX 200 this year?

Read more »

A wrecking ball swings through a wall of gold bricks, sending them flying.
Gold

Gold ETFs attracted a record US$19 billion in January

ASX gold ETFs recorded an inflow of US$202 million last month, bringing total investments to US$8.6 billion.

Read more »

A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock, indicating the ex-dividend date is approaching.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 25 years

There are good reasons why it could be worth holding tightly to these funds for the long term.

Read more »

strong woman overlooking city
ETFs

3 Vanguard ETFs I think deserve a spot in most portfolios

These aren’t flashy ideas, but they’re the kind of funds you can hold with confidence.

Read more »

man with dog on his lap looking at his phone in his home.
ETFs

3 excellent ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in February and beyond

These funds provide investors with quality investment options.

Read more »