The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has delivered solid returns for investors over time. But if I were building a long-term portfolio today, I wouldn't limit myself to Australian shares alone.
Australia makes up only a small portion of the global share market, and the ASX itself is quite concentrated. Banks and miners dominate the index, which means investors can miss opportunities when those sectors go through weaker cycles.
That's one reason I often look to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to gain broader exposure.
In particular, there are a few Vanguard ETFs that I think could potentially outperform the ASX 200 over the long run.
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Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)
If I had to choose one market that has consistently delivered strong long-term returns, it would probably be the United States.
The U.S. market is home to many of the world's most innovative and profitable companies. Businesses such as Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia have become global giants, driving much of the market's growth over the past decade.
The Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF gives investors exposure to 500 of the largest listed companies in the United States.
What I like about this ETF is that it provides access to a broad portfolio of industry leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services. It also does so at a very low cost.
Personally, I think having exposure to the U.S. economy is one of the easiest ways for Australian investors to diversify their portfolios and potentially access stronger long-term growth than the local market alone.
Vanguard FTSE Asia ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)
Another region I believe investors shouldn't ignore is Asia.
Many Asian economies continue to grow faster than developed markets, supported by rising incomes, expanding middle classes, and rapid urbanisation.
The Vanguard FTSE Asia ex-Japan Shares Index ETF provides exposure to a wide range of companies across markets such as China, Taiwan, South Korea, and India.
This ETF offers exposure to industries that are less prominent on the ASX, including semiconductor manufacturing, global electronics supply chains, and fast-growing consumer businesses.
In my view, the long-term economic growth across Asia could translate into strong corporate earnings growth over time, which may help drive returns that outpace more mature markets.
Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)
If I wanted a single ETF that could serve as the core of a long-term portfolio, I think the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF would be very hard to ignore.
This ETF invests in a diversified portfolio of other Vanguard funds, giving investors exposure to thousands of companies around the world.
The portfolio is heavily weighted toward growth assets such as global shares, with smaller allocations to Australian shares, emerging markets, and fixed income.
What I like most about the VDHG ETF is its simplicity. With one ETF, investors can gain broad diversification across global markets without having to build a complicated portfolio themselves.
For long-term investors who want a relatively hands-off approach, that type of diversification could potentially deliver stronger returns than relying solely on the ASX 200.
Foolish takeaway
I still think the ASX 200 has a key place in a diversified portfolio.
But if I were aiming for long-term growth, I would want exposure beyond Australia's relatively small and concentrated market.
With global diversification, exposure to faster-growing regions, and access to some of the world's most innovative companies, I believe ETFs like these Vanguard funds could have a good chance of outperforming the ASX 200 over the long term.
