They allow investors to buy a ready-made basket of shares in a single trade, which can reduce the pressure of trying to pick the perfect stock.

They can also help beginners spread their money across different markets, sectors, and investment styles from day one.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginners.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

This fund is a simple way to buy a broad slice of corporate Australia. It holds many of the country's largest listed businesses, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

For beginners, this can be useful because it turns the local market into a single investment. Instead of choosing between banks, miners, retailers, healthcare shares, and property trusts, this ASX ETF provides exposure to all of them.

It also keeps investors connected to familiar companies that shape the Australian economy. That can make it easier to understand what is inside the fund and why it moves.

Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS)

Another ASX ETF that could be ideal for beginners is the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF.

This fund opens the door to the full depth of the US share market. It does not just focus on the largest names. It reaches across large, mid, small, and micro-cap companies, giving investors exposure to thousands of businesses in one trade.

Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). These companies sit at the centre of major global trends, but the fund also captures a much wider set of American businesses.

This breadth is important. The US has produced many of the world's most successful companies, but future winners will not all come from the same corner of the market.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A third ASX ETF that could be perfect for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This fund takes a different approach. It looks for global companies that have sustainable competitive advantages and are trading at attractive valuations.

That gives it a stock picker's flavour inside an ETF structure. Rather than simply buying the biggest companies in the market, it searches for businesses that may be difficult for rivals to disrupt.

Current holdings include Novo Nordisk (CPH: NOVO B), Thales (FRA: CSF), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

This can be a helpful lesson for beginners. Good investing is not just about chasing growth or buying household names. It is also about owning businesses with staying power and paying attention to price.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To narrow things down, let's take a look at three ASX ETFs that could supercharge a balanced portfolio.

Here's what you need to know about them:

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF is built around a simple but powerful idea: cash matters.

Revenue can look impressive, earnings can be adjusted, and growth stories can sound exciting. But free cash flow shows whether a business is actually producing surplus money after funding its operations and investments.

That is what this fund focuses on. It looks for global companies with strong free cash flow generation, which can be a useful sign of financial quality.

This can be important because cash-rich businesses tend to have more choices. They can fund expansion, buy back shares, reduce debt, pay dividends, or withstand tougher conditions without relying heavily on external capital.

For investors, this ASX ETF is less about chasing a theme and more about owning companies that have already proven they can turn activity into real money. That can be a valuable discipline in markets where growth alone is not always enough.

It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

The Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF is a more specialised option.

Instead of simply backing electric vehicle makers, this fund looks further down the supply chain. It provides exposure to companies involved in lithium, battery technology, energy storage, and the materials and components needed for electrification.

That makes the ASX ETF interesting because the energy transition is not just about the cars people drive. It is also about grids, storage, mining, processing, manufacturing, and the infrastructure required to support a more electrified world.

This part of the market can be cyclical and volatile. Lithium prices can move sharply, and sentiment toward battery-related shares can change quickly.

But the long-term direction remains important. More renewable energy, more electric transport, and greater demand for storage all require investment across the battery ecosystem. This fund gives investors a way to access that wider chain rather than trying to pick one miner or manufacturer.

This fund was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

Finally, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF is built for investors who like the idea of owning businesses that are hard to displace.

A moat can come from many places. It could be a brand customers trust, a network that becomes more useful as it grows, a cost advantage competitors cannot match, or software and systems that are painful to replace.

This fund searches globally for companies that have these durable advantages and are trading at attractive valuations.

That combination is important. Quality is useful, but price still matters. Paying too much for a wonderful business can still lead to disappointing returns.

This fund offers a great solution for investors who want international exposure with a stock picker's mindset. It is not just buying the biggest companies, it is looking for businesses with staying power and a share price that leaves room for future returns.

The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) continue to make this simple.

With one trade, investors can gain exposure to a diversified group of companies, sectors, or investment styles without having to pick every individual winner.

For someone looking to invest $10,000, the three ASX ETFs below could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers exposure to some of Asia's leading technology companies.

This is a region with enormous growth potential. Across Asia, consumers are using online platforms for shopping, payments, entertainment, cloud services, gaming, and communication. Many of these trends still have room to run as incomes rise and businesses continue investing in technology.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors a way to access this opportunity through a single ASX ETF. It comprises companies involved in areas such as ecommerce, semiconductors, online services, and digital platforms. This includes Tencent (SEHK: 700) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

This is not a low-risk option. Asian technology shares can be volatile, particularly when sentiment turns against growth assets or regulatory concerns weigh on the sector. Currency movements can also influence returns for Australian investors.

But for those comfortable with a more targeted growth exposure, this ASX ETF offers something different from the usual US-heavy technology ETFs. It provides access to a part of the global market that could remain an important source of innovation and digital growth over the next decade.

This fund was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering in June is the Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

It has been hit hard following weakness across the technology sector. That may make it attractive for investors who believe the selloff has created an opportunity to buy quality local tech exposure at lower levels.

The fund gives investors access to a basket of ASX technology stocks across areas such as software, payments, online marketplaces, digital infrastructure, and IT services. This includes WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

This can be useful because picking individual technology winners is not easy. Some companies will execute well and grow strongly. Others may struggle with margins, competition, or changing market conditions. The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF spreads that risk across a group of local tech names.

For investors willing to ride out volatility, this ETF offers a simple way to back the long-term digitisation of the Australian economy. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

Finally, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF takes a very different approach.

Rather than focusing on one sector or region, it invests in international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages such as Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO) and Dassault Systemes (FRA: DSY).

These advantages can include strong brands, cost leadership, network effects, valuable intellectual property, or high switching costs. In simple terms, the fund looks for businesses that may be difficult for competitors to attack.

This quality focus could make this ASX ETF a useful option for investors who want global exposure but do not want to rely purely on market-cap weighting.

The ETF also adds a valuation discipline by targeting companies that appear attractively priced relative to fair value estimates. That combination of quality and valuation could be valuable in uncertain markets.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

There are thousands of ASX shares to choose from and plenty of jargon to get through. This is where ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can help.

They allow investors to access a basket of companies through a single trade, making it easier to build exposure without needing to pick every stock individually.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for beginners.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This fund focuses on global companies with strong financial characteristics. These can include high returns on equity, low debt, stable earnings, and solid cash flow generation.

That gives this ETF a simple starting point. Rather than trying to chase the next market winner, it looks for businesses that already have the numbers to support their quality.

Its holdings include companies such as Visa (NYSE: V), Uber (NYSE: UBER), and Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX).

For beginners, the appeal is that the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF provides exposure to established global companies while applying a quality filter. This can be a useful way to invest internationally without having to analyse every business from scratch.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Another ASX ETF that could appeal to beginners is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.

This fund focuses on Australian companies with strong quality characteristics. This can include businesses with high return on equity, low financial leverage, and strong cash flow generation.

That makes it different from a traditional broad-market ETF. Instead of simply buying companies based on size, it applies a quality filter to the Australian share market.

Its holdings include companies such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

This approach can be useful for beginners. That's because it provides exposure to familiar Australian shares, but with a rules-based process that favours financial strength rather than just market size.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A third ASX ETF that could be a top pick for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

It is built around the idea that some companies have stronger competitive advantages than others. These advantages can come from brands, scale, switching costs, intellectual property, or network effects.

The fund invests in international companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages and, importantly, are attractively priced.

Its holdings include Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

This can make it an attractive option for beginners. The VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF does not simply buy the broad market. It uses a quality and valuation lens to select companies that may be better placed to protect and build profits over time.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that could be top picks for beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ETFs remove the need to pick stocks by providing investors with access to large groups of shares with a single investment.

But which ones could be worth considering right now?

Here are three ASX ETFs to look at this month.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares India Quality ETF.

India has become a more important part of the global investment conversation. Its economy is supported by favourable demographics, rising consumption, digital adoption, and a growing corporate sector.

This fund takes a selective approach to that opportunity. The fund aims to track an index of the highest-quality Indian companies, selected using factors such as profitability, leverage, and earnings stability.

That gives the Betashares India Quality ETF a more focused profile than a broad India market fund. It is not simply buying the biggest companies in the market. It is trying to capture Indian growth through businesses with stronger financial characteristics.

Its holdings include the likes of Bharti Airtel, Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and Hindustan Unilever.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

Another ASX ETF to look at this month is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

Defence has shifted from a cyclical budget item to a more persistent priority for governments. Rising geopolitical tension has pushed national security, equipment modernisation, and defence technology higher on the agenda.

This fund provides exposure to leading global companies involved in the defence sector, such as Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), RTX Corporation (NYSE: RTX), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).

As you can see, this means it is not only about traditional defence hardware. It also captures the shift toward technology, intelligence systems, and modern battlefield capability.

This is another ETF that was recently recommended by Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A third ASX ETF that could be a good pick for a $5,000 investment is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This fund gives investors access to a diversified portfolio of attractively priced international companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages for 20 years or more.

Its holdings include NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI), Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), and Symrise (ETR: SY1).

For investors wanting global exposure with a quality and valuation filter, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF offers a more selective route than simply buying the broad market.

The post Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They allow investors to buy a large number of shares in one fell swoop, which removes the need to pick stocks.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering in May:

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

It gives investors exposure to international stocks that have sustainable competitive advantages. These are businesses expected to defend their market positions over long periods, supported by factors such as brands, scale, intellectual property, or network effects.

Its holdings include Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), Universal Music, and NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI).

Universal Music Group is a useful example of the type of company this ETF can hold. It owns one of the world's largest music catalogues, giving it exposure to streaming, licensing, and global consumption of music. As more listening shifts to digital platforms, valuable content libraries can remain powerful assets.

The VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF is not simply chasing growth. It is looking for businesses with staying power, which could make it good to buy and hold through to 2030.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth buying in May is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has moved from a technology issue to a boardroom priority. As more business activity shifts online, companies need to protect identities, networks, data, and cloud-based systems.

This fund provides exposure to this growing area of spending through companies involved in cybersecurity software, hardware, and services.

Its holdings include Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO), Okta (NASDAQ: OKTA), and Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW).

Okta shows how the sector is evolving. Its identity and access management tools help organisations control who can access their systems. That becomes more important as businesses use more cloud applications and employees work across different devices and locations.

With cyber threats unlikely to disappear, the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF offers exposure to an industry that could remain a priority for organisations for the rest of the decade.

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

A third ASX ETF for investors with a higher risk tolerance is the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF.

It provides exposure to companies connected to the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem. This is a more volatile area of the market, but it also gives investors access to a theme that could look very different by 2030.

Its holdings include Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), and Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: MARA).

Coinbase is central to this theme. It operates one of the largest crypto trading platforms globally and is tied to both investor activity and broader adoption of digital assets. If crypto markets mature and blockchain use cases continue to expand, companies like Coinbase could play an important role in the ecosystem.

The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF will not suit every investor. But for those comfortable with volatility, it provides a simple way to gain exposure to a high-risk, high-upside corner of global markets.

The post Here are 3 ASX ETFs to buy in May and hold until 2030 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That is no longer the case. Today, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) provide simple access to global markets, allowing investors to build international exposure with a single trade.

Here are three ETFs that make global investing straightforward.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of international companies that analysts believe have sustainable competitive advantages. These are often referred to as wide moats.

It also incorporates a valuation focus, targeting stocks that are considered attractively priced.

Its holdings include names such as Etsy (NASDAQ: ETSY), Edenred, and Symrise AG (ETR: SY1).

Etsy is a useful example of the type of business this ETF targets. It operates a global online marketplace focused on handmade and unique goods. The platform benefits from strong network effects, connecting buyers and sellers in a way that can be difficult for competitors to replicate. This type of positioning is what underpins the idea of a moat and supports long-term earnings potential.

By combining quality and valuation, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF offers a structured way to access international companies with durable advantages.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the popular Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This ETF provides broad exposure to developed markets around the world, including the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is designed to track a large index, giving investors access to a wide range of global companies.

Among its 1,000+ holdings are companies such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

Apple stands out as one of the largest and most influential companies globally. Its ecosystem of devices and services creates recurring revenue and strong customer retention. This helps illustrate the type of large, established businesses that dominate global indices.

Overall, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF offers diversification across industries and geographies, making it a straightforward way to gain broad international exposure.

Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

A third ASX ETF to consider for global investing is the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF.

This fund focuses on global markets outside the United States, providing exposure to both developed and emerging economies.

Its 3,800+ holdings include companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML).

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plays a critical role in the global technology supply chain. It manufactures advanced semiconductors used in everything from smartphones to data centres. Its scale and technical expertise have made it a key supplier to many of the world's largest technology companies.

The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF allows investors to complement US-heavy exposures by adding broader global diversification, including regions that are often underrepresented in traditional portfolios.

The post Global investing is easy on the ASX with these ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Buffett is known for looking for businesses with sustainable competitive advantages, strong returns on capital, sensible management, and attractive valuations. In his words, he prefers wonderful companies at fair prices over fair companies at wonderful prices.

But investing like the Oracle of Omaha doesn't need to be hard. Not when there are ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there that do the work for you.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

If Warren Buffett had to design a rules-based ETF, I suspect it would look a lot like the MOAT ETF.

This fund invests in US stocks that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats. It doesn't just buy quality businesses. It also considers valuation, targeting companies trading at attractive prices relative to their assessed fair value.

That combination of quality plus reasonable pricing feels very Buffett-like to me.

The portfolio typically includes well-known global leaders with pricing power and strong balance sheets. It is not just a momentum play. It is a high-conviction, research-driven strategy that rotates into opportunities when quality companies temporarily fall out of favour.

Instead of trying to identify the next Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) holding yourself, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF does the screening for you.

For long-term investors, that approach aligns neatly with Buffett's focus on durable advantages and disciplined entry prices.

VanEck Global Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

The VanEck Global Wide Moat ETF takes things globally.

The GOAT ETF invests in global stocks that are identified as having wide economic moats and attractive valuations. While Buffett built much of his fortune in the US, the underlying principle of buying strong global franchises applies anywhere.

This fund provides exposure to dominant businesses across multiple sectors and regions, rather than concentrating in one market.

What I like about the GOAT ETF is that it still follows that valuation discipline. It is not simply buying the biggest names. It aims to combine quality with price awareness, which I think is crucial.

Buffett has always emphasised that price matters. Even the best business can be a poor investment if bought at the wrong valuation. The GOAT ETF's methodology reflects that philosophy.

Foolish takeaway

Investing like Warren Buffett isn't about chasing hype. It's about discipline, patience, and owning strong businesses at fair prices.

For ASX investors who want a simple, rules-based way to apply those principles, I think the MOAT ETF and the GOAT ETF offer a compelling starting point.

The post How to invest like Warren Buffett using ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be particularly powerful over these horizons, because they let investors benefit from long-term trends without needing to constantly adjust their portfolio as individual winners and losers change.

With that mindset, here are three ASX ETFs that could be well suited to a true buy-and-hold approach measured in decades rather than years.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF to consider for a 25-year horizon is the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF.

It tracks the S&P 500 Index, which represents the largest and most influential companies in the United States. What makes this fund particularly attractive over long periods is its ability to evolve. Companies that lose relevance are removed, while new leaders are added as the economy changes. That adaptability could make it a compelling long-term core holding.

Current holdings include businesses such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA). These companies sit at the centre of global innovation, capital markets, and technology investment.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

Another ASX ETF that could reward patient investors is the VanEck China New Economy ETF.

It focuses on China's new economy, targeting companies involved in areas such as technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and domestic consumption.

The ETF holds a wide range of emerging leaders, including businesses such as Intsig Information and Shennan Circuits. Many of these companies are still early in their growth journeys and benefit from rising incomes, innovation, and domestic demand.

China's market can be volatile, but over a 25-year period, exposure to a transforming economy could prove valuable for investors willing to tolerate short-term uncertainty. It was recently recommended by VanEck.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

A final ASX ETF to consider for long-term investors is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This fund provides exposure to a concentrated portfolio of international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages, or wide economic moats, that can endure for 20 years or more.

Importantly, the ETF also applies a valuation discipline, targeting companies trading below the estimate of fair value.

Holdings include businesses such as Roche Holding (SWX: ROG), GSK (LSE: GSK), and Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ). These are established global companies with strong brands, intellectual property, or regulatory advantages that make them difficult to displace. The fund manager also recently recommended this ETF.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 25 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

MOAT is an ASX exchange-traded fund (ETF) that has been around for just over ten years. Over this timespan, it has delivered some impressive returns to its investors, returning an average of 15.17% per annum since inception (as of 30 November). 

This ETF works by holding a relatively concentrated portfolio of exclusively American stocks (usually between 40 and 60) that all show characteristics of possessing a wide economic moat. 

A moat is the term first coined by legendary investor Warren Buffett. It describes an intrinsic competitive advantage that a company can possess. This advantage can come in a few different forms. It could be a strong brand that commands consumer loyalty. It could also be a low-cost advantage, a network effect, or selling a product that consumers find difficult to avoid buying. 

Buffett himself has stated that he usually looks for companies that possess some kind of moat for Berkshire Hathaway's investment portfolio. It's always worked well for Buffett, and that same strategy seems to have worked well for the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. 

Some of MOAT's current holdings include Nike, Boeing, Salesforce, Adobe, Mondelez International, Alphabet, and Caterpillar.

But what of the International Wide Moat ETF?

MOATs and GOATs

Perhaps due to the success of its original MOAT fund, ETF provider VanEck launched the International Wide Moat ETF back in 2020.

This fund aims to extend the successful MOAT strategy to international markets, with the fund investing in companies from markets like Japan, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada. The United States is still in play, though, making up about 40% of GOAT's portfolio at present. 

So while MOAT sticks to the United States, GOAT branches out, currently holding stocks like Yaskawa Electric Corp, Kubota Corp, GSK plc, and Roche Holdings. That's in addition to many of the US stocks listed above.

Unfortunately, though, GOAT's successful strategy doesn't seem to be a happy traveller. Whilst MOAT has returned a healthy 15.88% per annum over the past three years, and 14.79% per annum over the past five, GOAT hasn't kept up. It has returned just 11.53% per annum over the past three years. That drops to 10.62% per annum over five.

Those are still decent returns to be sure. But they pale against what the US-centric MOAT has delivered.

Foolish Takeaway

Warren Buffett has always focused on investing in the United States, and perhaps GOAT's underperformance shows us why. Until GOAT shows it has the potential to successfully replicate the wide moat investing strategy beyond the United States of America with consummate returns, I'll be sticking to MOAT.

The post Is the VanEck International Wide Moat ETF (GOAT) a buy today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The report said healthcare stocks have lagged over this period, mostly due to potential US policy effects on the growth rates for biopharma, healthcare plans, and medical technology firms.

The tide is turning

According to VanEck, over the past two years, healthcare stocks underperformed relative to the broader market. 

This is despite catalysts such as innovation and progress in weight-loss drugs.

However, the ASX ETF provider said the tide could now be turning. 

Recently, there has been some clarity on healthcare policies, increased M&A activity, as well as interest from investors who are rotating back into defensive growth and quality earnings due to the volatile macro environment.

Additionally, recent earnings season results from Q3 in the US shows over 80% of reported healthcare companies have "surprised to the upside", and price reactions post earnings have also been positive. 

Looking ahead, the long-term structural growth drivers, including ageing populations, chronic disease management, med-tech adoption, and digital health, remain present.

Emerging tailwinds 

VanEck pointed towards changing policy in the US as one emerging factor set to benefit the sector. 

It said there has been renewed clarity on US drug pricing policy following the Pfizer–Trump administration agreement. 

The agreement included exchanging Medicaid cost cuts for tariff relief. 

The ETF provider said this has lowered market fears of sweeping "most-favoured-nation" (MFN) mandates that would have pressured pricing across the sector. 

Pfizer, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson all experienced price rises after the announcement due to improved sentiment toward the sector.

VanEck believes the sector is now trading at a relative value to the broader market. 

With macro uncertainty at the forefront of investors' minds, many are rotating toward defensive growth, benefiting healthcare broadly and many investors are targeting those companies with quality characteristics and/or wide moats.

How to target global healthcare stocks

Healthcare stocks are relatively underexposed on the ASX compared to sectors like financial (Big four banks) and materials (mining giants). 

This means Aussie investors are often looking overseas to tap into healthcare markets.

The team at VanEck believes long-term structural trends supporting the sector could make it an ideal time to gain exposure to international healthcare stocks, including: 

• The combination of global population growth and ageing demographics.
• Increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, which will continue to drive up the demand for healthcare.
• Increasing expenditures in emerging economies that need to close the gap to match the levels of spending in developed economies, as their growing and increasingly wealthy populations will demand it.

For investors looking for diversification into global healthcare stocks, there are several ASX ETFs offering focussed exposure to this sector. 

Investors may consider: 

• Vaneck Vectors Global Health Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) – Gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the largest international companies from the global healthcare sector.
• iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) – Made up of more than 100 global equities in the healthcare sector.
• BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: DRUG) – Aims to track the performance of the largest global healthcare companies (excluding Australia). 

Another option for investors looking for overweight to the sector, with a broader fund, could consider Vaneck Vectors Morningstar World Ex Australia Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT).

It has a 25.7% allocation to the healthcare sector within a portfolio of attractively priced international 'wide moat' companies with sustainable competitive advantages.

The post Is there a turnaround coming for healthcare stocks? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Investors in the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: MHOT) will receive the largest payment of $10.99 per unit.

Those who hold the unhedged VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT) will get the second-highest distribution of $7.56 per unit.

These two ETFs are different in that they do not try to mirror the performance of a major index like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Instead, the MOAT ETFs track about 50 US shares that have significant competitive advantages, or in other words, a wide 'moat'.

The wider the moat, the more protected a company's brand and its products or services are from competitors in the marketplace.

Here is a summary of VanEck ETFs that will be paying dividends to investors today.

It's payday for VanEck ASX ETF investors!

VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE) will pay 7 cents per unit.

VanEck FTSE China A50 ETF (ASX: CETF) will pay $1.27 per unit.

VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) will pay 3 cents per unit. Find out more about this ETF here.

VanEck Morningstar Australian Moat Income ETF (ASX: DVDY) will pay 20 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Sustainable Equity ETF (ASX: ESGI) will pay $2.34 per unit.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO) will pay $1.04 per unit.

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) will pay 63 cents per unit.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT) will pay $1.66 per unit.

VanEck MSCI Australian Sustainable Equity ETF (ASX: GRNV) will pay 57 cents per unit.

VanEck 5-10 Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: 5GOV) will pay 11.5 cents per unit.

VanEck Global Healthcare Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) will pay 2 cents per unit.

Here are a few more…

VanEck Australian Property ETF (ASX: MVA) will pay 42 cents per unit.

VanEck Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB) will pay 40 cents per unit.

VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR) will pay 51 cents per unit.

VanEck Small Companies Masters ETF (ASX: MVS) will pay 32 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF (ASX: QSML) will pay 9 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) will pay $1.23 per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE) will pay $1.02 per unit.

VanEck ETFs among the market's top performers in FY25

According to ASX data, there were two VanEck ETFs among the six best-performing ETFs holding Aussie shares in FY25.

Ranked 4th, the VanEck Australian Banks ETF delivered a total annual return of 24.86%.

Ranked 6th, the VanEck Australian Property ETF produced a total annual return of 22.92%.

Another two VanEck ETFs featured in the six best-performing ETFs holding international shares in FY25.

Check them out here.

The post Invested in ASX MOAT or other VanEck ETFs? It's dividend day! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a game-changer.

With just a few simple trades on the ASX, investors can gain exposure to hundreds (or thousands) of global businesses across sectors, industries, and geographies.

If you're looking to broaden your horizons in 2025, here are some of the best ASX ETFs for international diversification to dig deeper into.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

For those wanting broad, simple, low-cost global exposure, it is hard to go past the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF. This ASX ETF holds over 1,000 large- and mid-cap stocks across developed markets, excluding Australia. That includes heavyweights like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

With a low management fee and instant diversification across multiple countries and sectors, this popular fund could be an excellent core holding for global equity exposure.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

If you want targeted exposure to the United States, the iShares S&P 500 ETF could be worth a look. It tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index, which is home to the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the US.

This includes some of the world's most influential names, such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Walmart (NYSE: WMT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

The S&P 500 has historically delivered strong long-term returns, which could make the iShares S&P 500 ETF a compelling option for investors seeking growth and stability from the world's largest economy.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

Finally, for those seeking international diversification with a quality tilt, the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF could be a top option. Unlike its sibling fund MOAT, which focuses on US companies, this one targets high-quality businesses across the globe that have wide economic moats.

This means the companies in the portfolio have sustainable competitive advantages – such as strong brand power, high switching costs, or efficient scale – that can help protect their profits over the long term.

Current holdings including Diageo, Roche, and Pernod Ricard. This ASX ETF could be a strong complement to an ASX-heavy portfolio.

The post Best ASX ETFs for international diversification in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ex-dividend date for the distributions listed below is today, 1 July. The record date is 2 July.

The payment date is 25 July.

The biggest payment amount on the VanEck distribution list is a whopper at $10.99 per unit.

That will be paid to investors who own VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat (AUD Hedged) ETF (ASX: MHOT).

Investors in the unhedged version, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT), will receive the second-highest distribution of $7.56 per unit.

The VanEck Wide Moat ETFs are a bit different to the norm. They do not seek to track the performance of a major index, like most ETFs.

Instead, the ETFs hold a portfolio of about 50 US shares that have significant competitive advantages, or in other words, a wide moat.

Here is a condensed list of VanEck ETFs and how much each ETF will pay in dividends to their investors later this month.

Payday for VanEck ASX ETF investors

VanEck Global Clean Energy ETF (ASX: CLNE) will pay 7 cents per unit.

VanEck FTSE China A50 ETF (ASX: CETF) will pay $1.27 per unit.

VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND) will pay 3 cents per unit. Learn more about this ETF here.

VanEck Morningstar Australian Moat Income ETF (ASX: DVDY) will pay 20 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Sustainable Equity ETF (ASX: ESGI) will pay $2.34 per unit.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO) will pay $1.04 per unit.

VanEck Gold Miners ETF (ASX: GDX) will pay 63 cents per unit.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT) will pay $1.66 per unit.

VanEck MSCI Australian Sustainable Equity ETF (ASX: GRNV) will pay 57 cents per unit.

VanEck 5-10 Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: 5GOV) will pay 11.5 cents per unit.

VanEck Global Healthcare Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) will pay 2 cents per unit.

Show us the money! Here are some more…

VanEck Australian Property ETF (ASX: MVA) will pay 42 cents per unit.

VanEck Australian Banks ETF (ASX: MVB) will pay 40 cents per unit.

VanEck Australian Resources ETF (ASX: MVR) will pay 51 cents per unit.

VanEck Small Companies Masters ETF (ASX: MVS) will pay 32 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF (ASX: QSML) will pay 9 cents per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) will pay $1.23 per unit.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE) will pay $1.02 per unit.

The post VanEck ASX ETF dividends: How much you'll get and when appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

After all, not everyone wants to spend their time stock-picking or keeping up with the latest market news.

Fortunately, the ASX is home to some outstanding ETFs that offer diversified, global exposure — the kind that could serve as core holdings in just about any investor's portfolio.

Here are three standout options that could be all you ever need.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

For growth investors, it is hard to look past the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF. This ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index — a collection of 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq.

This means that you're getting exposure to some of the most innovative and dominant businesses on the planet. Think Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) — names that have consistently delivered strong revenue and earnings growth.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF has been a standout performer over the last decade, and while volatility can't be ruled out, investors with a long-term view may be well rewarded as these technology giants continue to shape the future of the global economy.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

If you're looking for a little more stability, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is worth a close look.

This ASX ETF is focused on quality — specifically companies with strong balance sheets, high return on equity, and stable earnings. It's a strategy that seeks out businesses with durable competitive advantages and sound financials, which can provide an important buffer during market downturns.

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF includes global blue chips such as Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), Visa (NYSE: V), and Nestle. These are companies that generate reliable cash flows and often dominate their respective industries.

With its diversified sector and geographic mix, this fund could be a strong candidate for investors wanting a smoother ride over the long run. It was recently tipped as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

Rounding out the trio is the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

This ASX ETF is designed to track global companies that possess wide economic moats. These are businesses with sustainable competitive advantages — think strong brands, high switching costs, or exclusive access to key resources — that allow them to fend off competition and generate above-average profits over time.

Some of its top holdings include Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Nike (NYSE: NKE). With a focus on valuation as well as competitive positioning, this ASX ETF aims to deliver both quality and value in a single package.

If you're keen to tap into long-term compounders beyond just the U.S. market, this fund adds some welcome global flavour to a concentrated ETF portfolio. It was recently named as one to consider buying by the team at VanEck.

The post The only 3 ASX ETFs you might ever need appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, I also invest in a few ASX ETFs that aren't index funds.

With these funds, I hope to achieve returns that exceed what a market-based index fund can manage.

One such fund is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT). This actively managed ASX ETF holds a relatively concentrated portfolio of US shares. These shares are selected based on their perceived possession of a wide 'economic moat', the Warren Buffett term used to describe a company's permanent advantage over its competitors.

Buffett himself has stated that he looks for signs of a moat with his own investments.

This moat can come in many forms.

Some companies have powerful brands that attract customers to their products over the competition. Coca-Cola is a great example of this.

Others stay ahead by providing goods and services at prices that can't be matched. Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) arguably have this kind of moat.

Another moat can come in the form of offering a product or service that customers find difficult not to use. Microsoft's Office suite arguably falls into this bucket. As do the toll roads that Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) owns.

Invest like Buffett with these two ASX ETFs

The VanEck Wide Moat ETF only invests in companies that possess these moats. We can see this in the MOAT ETF's holdings. These include Disney, Altria, Boeing, and Pfizer. All of these companies dominate their respective fields and are arguably difficult to disrupt. No one can match Disney's impact and presence in popular culture. Pfizer owns drug patents that are difficult to compete with. And it's pretty hard to start a rival company that can manufacture aeroplanes, as Boeing does.

MOAT has managed to hit an average return of 15.71% per annum since its ASX inception in June 2015.

VanEck offers a similar ASX ETF with the same methodology for shares listed outside the United States: the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT).

Some of GOAT's holdings at present include Universal Music Group, Budweiser-owner Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Reckitt Benckiser.

GOAT hasn't been around as long as MOAT, listing in late 2020. Since then, it has managed an average return of 12.22% per annum.

Both of these ETFs, MOAT in particular, have demonstrated that the methodology these funds employ can bring long-term success. That's why I invest in MOAT (and perhaps GOAT soon), and would recommend them to any investor looking for a quality ETF to add to their portfolios today.

The post 2 quality ASX ETFs for the long haul appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Even if you already own shares, ETFs can be a simple and cost-effective way of helping to diversify your portfolio across different companies, sectors, and geographic locations.

Due to their surging popularity among Aussie investors, the number of ETFs on the local exchange has skyrocketed in recent years. So even choosing which ETF to buy can be a challenge.

We asked our Foolish writers which ASX ETFs they believe are worth buying this month. Here is what the team came up with:

6 best ASX ETFs for March 2023 (smallest to largest)

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT), $25.09 million

BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester (ASX: HVST), $178.96 million

Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF (ASX: VISM), $251.86 million

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT), $509.56 million

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), $2.60 billion

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), $12.24 billion

(Market capitalisations as at market close on 6 March 2023)

Why our Foolish writers love these ASX exchange-traded funds

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF

What it does: This ETF provides investors with exposure to a portfolio of global companies that have attractive valuations and sustainable competitive advantages.

By James Mickleboro: Unlike the MOAT ETF, which focuses on US companies, this fund gives investors access to wide-moat companies from all over the world.

To be assigned a wide-moat rating, there must be very high confidence that a company's competitive advantage will remain for at least 20 years. It is for this reason, I believe the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF could prove to be a great long-term option for ASX investors.

Among its 68 holdings are companies including Airbus, ASML, Mercadolibre, and Microsoft.

Over the last decade, the index the fund tracks has generated an average return of 16% per annum.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro does not own units in the VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF.

BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester

What it does: The BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester intends to offer investors franked passive income above the net income yield of the broader ASX. It provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of ASX shares. The ETF's top holdings are in the financials sector (30%) and the materials sector (25%).

By Bernd Struben: With interest rates likely to remain elevated for some time, making share price gains harder to come by, this high-yielding ETF could offer some welcome passive income for ASX investors.

Based on the past 12 months, the fund's yield is 7.2%, with a grossed-up yield of 10.1%. The franking level was 93%, as at 31 January.

Naturally, movements in the ETF's share price could see investors pocket more or less than this when they sell the stock.

Over the past six months, the BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester share price is up 3.8%. During that time, it delivered a net return (after fees) of 5.9% and a grossed-up yield (also post fees) of 7.1%.

The dividends are paid out monthly.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben does not own units in the BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester.

Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies Index ETF

What it does: This Vanguard ETF seeks to track the performance of the MSCI World ex-Australia Small Cap Index, providing investors with an easy way to gain diversified exposure to some of the most promising small companies abroad.

By Mitchell Lawler: Studies into the characteristics of global outperformers over the last decade have suggested that small-cap shares are far more likely to produce 10X returns than large-caps.

I believe this ETF provides an ideal way of gaining exposure to companies with, arguably, the greatest chance of achieving market-beating returns over time. Additionally, the fund excludes Australian small-caps, which helps with greater geographic portfolio diversification.

For reference, around 62% of the ETF is weighted toward companies located in the United States. This includes US-listed names such as Axon Enterprises Inc, Crocs Inc, and Macy's Inc.

The management fee is currently 0.32% per annum.

Motley Fool contributor Mitchell Lawler does not own units in the Vanguard MSCI International Small Companies ETF.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF

What it does: This ETF invests in companies with competitive advantages that are predicted by analysts to almost certainly endure for the next decade, and probably for two decades.

By Tristan Harrison: Competitive advantages, or economic moats, can come in a number of different forms, including cost advantages, patents, brands, regulatory licenses, switching costs, network effects, and efficient scale.

By only focusing on companies with strong competitive advantages, this ETF's portfolio only owns quality businesses. On top of that, the ETF only invests if the target business is trading at a good price relative to its 'fair value', as judged by Morningstar analysts.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, but this ETF has returned an average of 14.5% per annum over the past five years.

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison does not own units in the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF

What it does: This ASX ETF from BetaShares is an index fund. Not just any index fund, though; this ETF covers the American NASDAQ 100 (NASDAQ: NDX). The NASDAQ is the exchange where most of the US's tech shares are listed. As such, this is well-known as a very tech-heavy ETF.

By Sebastian Bowen: I consider this NASDAQ 100 fund a bet on American tech going forward. You'll get exposure to the giants like Apple and Amazon, as well as smaller tech names like Texas Instruments, Adobe, Intuit and MercadoLibre.

The BetaShares Nasdaq ETF has given investors some stunning returns in recent years. As of 31 January, this fund has averaged a return of 15.24% per annum over the past five years, and 15.65% per annum since its inception in 2015.

Past performance is never a guarantee of future returns, but I still think investors have a great way to add exposure to some of the best companies in the world with this ETF.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen owns shares in Amazon, Apple and Adobe.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

What it does: The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF aims to track the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) which, in turn, seeks to provide exposure to the broader Australian stock market.

By Brooke Cooper: It's far from a ground-breaking recommendation, and that's one of the reasons I like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

Perhaps the best and most simple way to help protect a portfolio is to diversify, and one of the simplest ways to diversify is to invest in an index-tracking ASX ETF.

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is the only fund tracking the ASX 300 ­– arguably Australia's true benchmark index.

And while its management fees aren't the lowest out there, at 0.1% per annum, they're far from outrageous. Not to mention, this ETF pays out dividends each quarter.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper does not own units in the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF.

The post Top ASX ETFs to buy in March 2023 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.