Smart investing really does not need to be complicated.
In many cases, the best move can be to own exchange traded funds (ETFs) that give you exposure to strong businesses and long-term growth trends without having to pick every winner yourself.
With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for the long term:
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Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be a smart ASX ETF to buy and hold.
It gives investors exposure to a large number of companies across developed markets. This includes the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and other major economies.
This means investors are not relying entirely on the Australian share market, which is heavily influenced by the big banks, large-cap miners, and supermarket leaders.
The fund provides access to global businesses across technology, healthcare, financials, industrials, consumer goods, and communications.
I think that makes it a strong foundation option. A smart portfolio usually needs breadth, and this ASX ETF offers plenty of it in one trade.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)
The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF takes a more selective approach to investing.
Rather than simply buying the biggest companies in the market, this fund looks for US businesses that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages and attractive valuations.
That could include companies with strong brands, cost advantages, intellectual property, network effects, or customers that are unlikely to switch easily.
In many respects, this is a very sensible way to think about long-term investing.
A company with a genuine moat can defend profits for longer, while a valuation filter can help reduce the risk of paying too much for quality.
This ASX ETF could appeal to investors who want exposure to US shares, but with more discipline than a standard market-cap index.
Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
A final ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.
As its name suggests, this fund gives investors exposure to companies helping protect networks, cloud systems, data, devices, payments, and digital identities.
Cybersecurity is becoming a permanent cost of doing business these days. Companies are using more cloud software, artificial intelligence tools, remote access, online payments, and connected systems. All of that increases the need for protection.
This is a narrower fund than the first two. As a result, investors should expect more volatility.
But I think the long-term theme is strong. As more economic activity moves online, the value of keeping systems secure should only increase.
