Buying an exchange-traded fund (ETF) is easy. Holding it through rising markets, falling markets, and changing headlines is usually the harder part.
I think the best buy-and-hold ETFs make that decision easier by giving investors exposure they can remain confident in for years.
For that reason, the three Betashares ETFs below would be high on my list.
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Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL)
I would begin with a broad international holding. The BGBL ETF invests in approximately 1,000 stocks across more than 20 developed markets outside Australia. That gives investors access to many of the businesses shaping how the world spends, communicates, travels, receives healthcare, and adopts new technology.
I like this fund because it does not require investors to predict which country or industry will lead the next decade.
The United States represents a large part of the portfolio, but the ETF also reaches into Europe, Japan, Canada, and other developed markets. Its holdings span technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, industrials, and more.
That breadth allows the portfolio to change naturally as companies rise and fall in importance.
There will be periods when international shares struggle or the Australian dollar weighs on returns. But over a long holding period, I think the BGBL ETF provides a straightforward way to participate in the growth of global businesses that are largely absent from the ASX.
Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)
Australian investors may already earn their income, own property, and hold superannuation assets locally. Even so, I think Australian shares can still deserve a place in a balanced portfolio.
The A200 ETF owns 200 of the largest companies listed on the ASX.
This gives investors exposure to the businesses financing Australian homes, supplying commodities to global markets, operating supermarkets, building infrastructure, providing healthcare, and paying many of the market's largest dividends.
The local market has a sizeable weighting towards banks and resources companies, so the A200 ETF will move with interest rates, commodity prices, and the health of the Australian economy. That concentration is one reason I would hold it alongside international shares rather than rely on it alone.
For someone who wants broad local exposure without choosing between individual banks, miners, retailers, and healthcare companies, I think this fund is an attractive long-term holding.
Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)
The final Betashares ETF takes a more selective approach.
The QLTY ETF holds 150 global stocks outside Australia that rank highly on measures linked to quality, including profitability, balance sheet strength, and earnings stability.
I see this as a way to lean a portfolio towards businesses that have already shown an ability to manage capital well.
Strong companies can often keep investing when weaker competitors are forced to retreat. They may have loyal customers, healthier margins, lower debt, or products that remain in demand through changing economic conditions.
A quality screen will not protect investors from every fall. These companies can still become expensive, disappoint the market, or struggle when investors favour more speculative areas.
But for money I wanted to leave invested for many years, I would be comfortable placing greater weight on businesses with strong financial foundations.
Foolish takeaway
Buy-and-hold investing works best when the portfolio does not need constant repair.
The BGBL ETF could provide broad access to global growth, the A200 ETF can keep investors connected to Australian earnings and dividends, while the QLTY ETF offers exposure to financially strong international businesses.
Combined, I think this makes these Betashares ETFs great buy and hold options for Australian investors.
