A portfolio with these 4 ASX ETFs has proven capable of weathering major market crises while still delivering strong long-term returns.
This portfolio spreads investments across thousands of companies worldwide, multiple sectors, and defensive assets while maintaining very low fees.
Many long-term Australian investors use a structure like this with multiple ASX ETFs. Let's have a closer look.
Image source: Getty Images
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
This ASX ETF forms the income backbone of the portfolio.
VAS tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors exposure to hundreds of Australia's largest companies. The ETF is heavily weighted toward financials and resources. They have historically been two of the most resilient sectors in the Australian economy.
Major holdings include blue-chip shares such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL).
These companies generate enormous cash flows and tend to keep paying dividends even during economic downturns. This income stream, often boosted by franking credits, can be especially valuable when markets become volatile.
With a management fee of around 0.07%, this ASX ETF is also one of the most cost-effective ways to gain broad Australian market exposure.
Suggested allocation: 35%
Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
This ASX ETF adds global diversification and long-term growth potential.
VGS holds more than 1,300 companies across developed markets, with strong representation in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Its largest positions include global technology and consumer giants such as Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).
These companies dominate global industries and possess enormous balance sheets and pricing power. Many continued expanding during past crises such as the global financial crisis and the pandemic.
This ASX ETF reduces reliance on the Australian economy while providing exposure to sectors underrepresented on the ASX, particularly global technology and innovation.
Suggested allocation: 35%
VanEck FTSE Global Infrastructure ETF (ASX: IFRA)
This VanEck ASX ETF invests in global infrastructure companies, including utilities, pipelines, transport assets, and communication towers. Infrastructure businesses tend to generate stable and predictable cash flows, which is why they are commonly used as defensive holdings in investment portfolios.
The ASX ETF tracks the FTSE Global Core Infrastructure Index and focuses primarily on utilities, energy infrastructure, and transport assets worldwide. It is currency hedged to the Australian dollar, and the management fee is around 0.20%.
Infrastructure ETFs can work well in a recession-focused portfolio because the services they provide are essential to the functioning of the economy. Revenues are often contracted or regulated. This helps provide greater predictability, and cash flows are generally more stable than those of typical equities.
Suggested allocation: 20%
BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (ASX: AAA)
The BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF provides the defensive buffer.
Unlike equity ETFs, AAA invests in high-interest bank deposit accounts. This means its value tends to remain stable while generating interest income linked to Australian cash rates.
During severe market sell-offs, this allocation can reduce overall volatility. It also provides liquidity that investors can deploy into equities at lower prices.
Having a small cash allocation can also make it psychologically easier to stay invested during major market downturns.
Suggested allocation: 10%
