March has begun with a fair amount of volatility in global markets. Geopolitical tensions, shifting interest rate expectations, and swings in the technology sector have created an environment where share prices can move sharply from week to week.
For long-term investors, however, periods like this can be a good time to think about building positions gradually in high-quality exchange traded funds (ETFs).
But which ones could be good picks for Aussie investors this month?
If you have $10,000 ready to invest this month, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.
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iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
The first ASX ETF that could be a buy is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.
Rather than trying to pick the next big global winner, this fund simply provides exposure to the 500 largest companies listed in the United States. That means investors automatically gain a stake in many of the most dominant businesses in the world.
The portfolio includes companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT). These are businesses that operate at enormous scale and generate billions of dollars in profit each year.
One of the strengths of the S&P 500 is how it naturally evolves over time. As new industries emerge, the index gradually shifts to include the companies leading those trends. This allows investors to stay aligned with the global economy without needing to constantly adjust their portfolios.
For investors looking for a simple way to gain exposure to the world's largest market, the iShares S&P 500 ETF remains one of the most straightforward options available on the ASX.
Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)
Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.
This fund focuses on companies involved in defence equipment, aerospace technology, and military infrastructure. While this may sound niche, the sector is benefiting from a powerful structural shift.
Governments around the world have been increasing defence budgets as geopolitical tensions rise and security priorities change. This trend is expected to drive sustained spending on advanced military technologies.
The ETF includes companies such as Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), a major defence contractor behind the F-35 fighter jet program, RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), which develops aerospace and missile systems, and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), a leader in advanced defence technology.
Because defence spending tends to be driven by long-term government budgets rather than consumer demand, the sector can sometimes show resilience during periods of economic uncertainty. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.
Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)
A final ASX ETF that could be a strong addition to a portfolio is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.
Instead of simply tracking the largest companies on the Australian share market, this fund uses a rules-based approach to identify businesses with strong profitability, stable earnings, and healthy balance sheets.
The portfolio includes a range of high-quality ASX shares such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), REA Group Ltd (ASX: REA), and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).
Quality-focused strategies aim to favour businesses that generate strong returns on capital and maintain consistent financial performance through economic cycles. Over long periods, these traits can often translate into steady earnings growth and resilient share prices.
For investors wanting exposure to the Australian market while tilting toward stronger businesses, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF offers a slightly different approach compared to traditional broad-market ETFs. It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.
