Australian shares have had a mixed run recently, with some parts of the market holding up well and others coming under pressure.
For investors who want local exposure without trying to pick every individual winner, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can make a lot of sense.
They offer diversification, simplicity, and access to different slices of the market. Some focus on broad index exposure. Others tilt towards quality or income.
Three Australian ETFs I think look like top buys this month are featured in this article.
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Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
The first ETF I would consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.
It is one of the simplest ways to invest in the Australian share market. It gives investors exposure to a broad basket of ASX shares across banks, miners, healthcare, retail, industrials, infrastructure, and more.
That broad exposure is the main attraction.
Instead of trying to decide whether Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), or Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) will be the best performer over the next year, investors can own a slice of many of them through one fund.
I think that is especially useful when the market outlook is uncertain.
Australia is dealing with higher inflation, rising interest rates, pressure on household budgets, and a more volatile global backdrop. In that kind of environment, I like the idea of spreading risk across many companies rather than relying too heavily on one view.
For investors wanting a core Australian holding, I think VAS remains hard to beat.
Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)
The second ETF I would consider is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.
This is a more targeted option than the VAS ETF.
It focuses on Australian companies with quality characteristics. That can include strong profitability, balance sheet strength, and more resilient earnings.
I like this approach because the ASX can be quite cyclical.
Banks are exposed to credit conditions and housing. Miners are exposed to commodity prices. Retailers are exposed to consumer spending. Property shares are exposed to interest rates.
A quality filter can help investors tilt their portfolio toward businesses that may be better placed to handle different market conditions.
That does not mean the AQLT ETF will outperform every year. Quality shares can still fall, especially if valuations are high or market sentiment turns against them.
But over the long term, I think focusing on better businesses is a sensible way to invest.
It could be a useful complement for nvestors who already own a broad Australian ETF. It adds a more selective layer to local share market exposure.
Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
The third ETF I would look at is the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF.
It is designed for investors who want more income from Australian shares.
It focuses on companies with higher expected dividend yields, which can make it attractive for retirees, income investors, or anyone wanting their portfolio to generate cash flow.
I think this could be useful in the current environment.
With inflation still a concern, investors may want assets that can produce a meaningful income stream. Australian shares have long been popular for dividends, particularly because many companies pay franked dividends.
The VHY ETF can provide exposure to dividend-paying sectors such as banks, miners, insurers, and other mature businesses.
Of course, investors need to remember that high-yield investing comes with risks. Dividends can be cut, and high yields can sometimes reflect market concern about a company's outlook.
That is why I would use this Vanguard ETF as part of a diversified portfolio rather than relying on it alone.
Foolish takeaway
For investors looking at Australian ETFs this month, I think these three all have something useful to offer.
The VAS ETF provides broad market exposure, the AQLT ETF adds a quality tilt, and the VHY ETF focuses on income.
Used together, they could give investors a simple way to access Australian shares across growth, quality, and dividends.
There will still be volatility, especially with inflation, interest rates, and global uncertainty affecting markets. But for long-term investors, I think these three ETFs could be strong options to consider.
