Want to invest in the best stocks in the world? Try these ASX ETFs

Looking international? Here are three funds to consider buying.

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

The Australian share market has plenty of quality businesses, but it represents only a small slice of the global economy.

By investing internationally, you gain exposure to industries, companies, and growth drivers that simply don't exist locally.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make that process easy, allowing investors to access world-class businesses without leaving the local market.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that offer different ways to invest in some of the best stocks in the world.

Two people work with a digital map of the world, planning their logistics on a global scale.

Image source: Getty Images

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF.

Rather than trying to pick which country or sector will outperform, this fund takes a broad, all-weather approach. It invests across developed markets, giving exposure to thousands of companies spanning the US, Europe, and Asia.

Holdings include businesses such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

What makes the Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF appealing is not any single stock, but the way it captures global economic progress as a whole. As industries rise and fall, and new leaders emerge, the index naturally evolves. This makes this fund a useful foundation for investors who want global exposure without having to constantly adjust their portfolio.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Another way to invest in the world's best stocks is through a quality lens, which is exactly what the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF aims to do.

This fund focuses on businesses with strong profitability, robust balance sheets, and consistent earnings. Instead of spreading exposure as widely as possible, it narrows the field to stocks that have demonstrated an ability to perform through different market conditions.

Holdings include stocks such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Tokyo Electron, and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META). These are businesses that often benefit from pricing power, brand strength, or structural advantages.

This fund was recently recommended to clients by Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

A final ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF, which takes a different approach to global investing.

Rather than focusing on growth or quality, it looks for international companies trading at relatively attractive valuations based on fundamentals such as earnings, cash flow, and book value. This often leads to exposure in areas that are out of favour but not necessarily broken.

Holdings include companies such as Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), and Toyota Motor Corporation (FRA: TOM). These businesses may not dominate headlines, but they play important roles in the global economy.

VanEck recently recommended this fund to clients.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Apple, Intel, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares 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

A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
ETFs

3 incredible ASX ETFs for Australian investors in June

These funds offer investors easy access to some of the best stocks in the world.

Read more »

A person holds their hands over three piggy banks, protecting and shielding their money and investments.
ETFs

This ASX ETF is perfect for nervous investors

If you're nervous about investing in 2026, check out this ETF.

Read more »

A tech worker wearing a mask holds a computer chip.
ETFs

The growing case for this semiconductor ASX ETF

Why there's long-term upside for this fund.

Read more »

A senior investor wearing glasses sits at his desk and works on his ASX shares portfolio on his laptop.
ETFs

Why ASX mid-cap shares are finally about to have their moment: Expert

Here's how to target mid-cap companies.

Read more »

wind farm
ETFs

Why this ASX ETF could be the simplest way to play the global clean energy boom

Here is how Australian investors can get diversified exposure to the companies leading the green transition.

Read more »

ETFs

3 ASX ETFs I'd buy to build a portfolio from scratch

With just a few ASX ETFs, investors can gain exposure to different countries, sectors, and investment styles.

Read more »

A share market investment manager monitors share price movements on his mobile phone and laptop
ETFs

3 excellent ASX ETFs to watch in June

These funds offer investors an easy way to invest in different parts of the share market.

Read more »

A woman gazes with anticipation into a glass ball she's holding in her hands.
ETFs

Is it time to buy the Vanguard Australian Shares ETF?

For investors wanting a simple, low-fuss way to invest in Australian shares, this ETF remains one of my favourite options.

Read more »