You don't need to pick the next hot stock to build wealth. These 3 low-cost ASX ETFs will give you instant diversification, exposure to global growth, and even a stream of dividend income.
They will form a simple, low-cost ETF strategy without the need to constantly check the market.
Let's have a closer look at the ASX ETFs.
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Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
If you want broad global exposure in a single trade, this ASX ETF is hard to beat. VGS gives you access to more than 1,000 companies across major developed markets, including the US, Europe, and Japan.
You're buying global heavyweights like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), along with healthcare leaders such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). That means exposure to technology, consumer brands, industrials, and more — all in one fund.
This global ASX ETF is low-cost, highly diversified, and removes the risk of relying too heavily on the Australian market.
BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)
Next is the BetaShares Australia 200 ETF. While global exposure is crucial, Australian shares still deserve a place in a long-term portfolio, especially for dividend income.
This ASX ETF tracks the 200 largest companies on the ASX at a very competitive management fee. Its top holdings include blue-chip stocks such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).
That gives investors exposure to mining, banking, and healthcare — three pillars of the Australian economy. The income component is also attractive, as Australian blue chips tend to pay reliable, franked dividends.
BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
Finally, consider adding growth power with this Nasdaq-focused ASX ETF. This Betashares fund focuses on the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange in the US.
It's more concentrated and more growth-focused than VGS, but that's part of the appeal. This ASX ETF holds innovative giants such as Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META). These businesses dominate cloud computing, digital advertising, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence.
While tech stocks can be volatile, they've historically delivered strong long-term returns. Including this ETF alongside broader funds adds extra growth potential to a portfolio built for the next decade.
Foolish Takeaway
For a new investor looking ahead to 2036, this type of ETF trio offers a straightforward strategy: buy quality, stay diversified, keep costs down, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.
The result? Exposure to thousands of companies across industries, including finance, mining, healthcare, consumer goods, and cutting-edge tech. You're spreading risk across countries and sectors while keeping costs low and management simple.
