I think some of the best investment opportunities over the next decade could come from businesses outside Australia.
And exchange-traded funds (ETFs) make it simple to invest in those opportunities without having to open an international brokerage account or spend hours researching different markets.
For example, there are three Vanguard ETFs I'd happily buy today and hold for at least 10 years.
Each offers a different way to benefit from long-term growth. Here's why I rate them highly.
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Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The first ETF I'd buy is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF, which provides exposure to approximately 1,300 companies across developed markets.
What I like about this fund is the opportunity to own a broad selection of established businesses that are leaders in their respective industries.
Its portfolio includes major technology companies, healthcare businesses, financial institutions, and some of the world's best-known consumer brands.
Many of these companies have spent decades building strong competitive positions, and I believe they have plenty of opportunities to keep growing their earnings long into the future.
And that's why I think the VGS ETF could be a great buy and hold investment. It gives me exposure to businesses that could benefit from developments such as artificial intelligence (AI) and medical innovation, alongside companies generating profits from products and services people use every day.
With a management fee of just 0.18% annually, I think this Vanguard ETF is an excellent way to participate in the long-term growth of the global share market.
Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)
Another ETF I'd consider is the Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF, which invests in companies across Asian markets, excluding Japan.
I believe Asia could offer some of the most attractive opportunities for investors over the coming decade.
One reason is the region's importance to the global technology industry. Companies based in Taiwan and South Korea play crucial roles in manufacturing the semiconductors and memory chips needed for artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
And the VAE ETF provides substantial exposure to these businesses. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd accounted for approximately 15% of the portfolio in Vanguard's June holdings snapshot.
The ETF also provides exposure to businesses benefiting from Asia's expanding consumer markets and financial services industries.
Of course, geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and its concentration in major semiconductor companies create risks.
However, I think this Vanguard ETF offers a great way to invest in industries and economies that could become increasingly influential over the next decade.
Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM)
My final pick is the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF, which provides exposure to thousands of small caps across developed international markets.
I think this is an interesting opportunity because much of the attention in global share markets has been focused on enormous technology businesses.
In fact, Vanguard's recent market outlook noted that smaller companies had struggled to keep pace with large US growth stocks during the September quarter.
But I wouldn't overlook them. Smaller businesses can have considerable room to expand into new markets, develop products, and increase their earnings.
And I believe there are opportunities for smaller industrial, healthcare, and technology companies to benefit as investment in artificial intelligence and automation spreads across the economy.
It is worth highlighting that smaller companies can be more vulnerable to economic weakness and financing pressures. However, I believe a diversified portfolio of them could offer attractive long-term growth potential.
Foolish takeaway
I wouldn't expect all three ETFs to outperform every year. However, I believe there are strong reasons to invest across a broad range of global businesses rather than concentrating solely on today's market leaders.
For me, these Vanguard ETFs offer three opportunities to participate in that growth, and I'd be happy to buy them with a view to holding until at least 2036.
