5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold in 2026

These funds provide investors with easy access to many of the best stocks in the world.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) are growing in popularity and it isn't hard to see why.

They provide a simple way to invest, eliminating the need to choose individual shares.

But which ASX ETFs could be worth considering in 2026? Let's take a look at five funds that are highly rated for a reason. They are as follows:

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iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

With a single investment, this fund provides access to a large slice of the US share market, which remains home to many of the world's strongest companies.

Among its 500 holdings are names such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

For investors wanting US exposure through the ASX, this fund remains one of the cleanest ways to do it.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF worth looking at is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

It provides exposure to developed markets outside Australia, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and other major economies.

This makes it broader than a single-country ETF. It gives investors access to thousands of companies across multiple regions and industries, helping reduce reliance on the Australian market.

Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to consider buying is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund is more concentrated than broad global funds. It gives investors exposure to many of the companies shaping digital consumption, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, and online services.

Its holdings include Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

The fund can be more volatile than broader ETFs because of its technology-heavy profile. However, it also provides exposure to some of the strongest growth businesses in the world.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ASX ETF to look at is the popular VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

It takes a more selective approach to the US market. It focuses on companies that have sustainable competitive advantages, while also considering valuation.

Its holdings include companies such as Nike (NYSE: NKE), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN).

For investors who want exposure to quality US companies without simply tracking the broader market, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A final ASX ETF that stands out is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has become a core spending priority for businesses and governments. As more data, payments, systems, and customer interactions move online, the need to protect digital infrastructure keeps growing.

This fund provides exposure to global companies involved in cybersecurity software, hardware, and services. Its holdings include Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO).

This is a more targeted ETF, so it may not suit every investor. But for those wanting exposure to a long-term technology theme, it could be worth considering.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Nike, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Airbnb, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Broadcom, Cisco Systems, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and Palo Alto Networks and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $320 calls on McDonald's and short January 2028 $340 calls on McDonald's. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Airbnb, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, CrowdStrike, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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