For me, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a straightforward way to build a diversified portfolio without having to rely on picking individual stocks. 

The key is combining broad exposure with a few targeted themes that could drive returns over time.

Here's why I'd be thinking about allocating that capital evenly across these five ETFs today.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

I'd start by making sure I have exposure to Asia. The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF gives access to major economies like China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea. These regions are home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and I think that long-term growth is hard to ignore.

There will always be volatility here, especially with geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty. But over time, I think rising middle classes, urbanisation, and technological development could drive strong economic expansion.

iShares Global 100 AUD ETF (ASX: IOO)

For global blue-chip exposure, I'd look at the iShares Global 100 AUD ETF.

This ASX ETF holds some of the largest and most established companies in the world. These are businesses with strong balance sheets, global reach, and proven earnings power.

I like this as a core holding because it provides stability and diversification across industries and geographies. It's not about chasing the fastest growth, but about owning high-quality companies that can compound over time.

In a volatile environment, I think having that kind of foundation is important.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Closer to home, I'd want exposure to high-quality ASX shares.

The Betashares Australian Quality ETF focuses on businesses with strong returns on equity, solid balance sheets, and consistent earnings. In my view, those characteristics tend to hold up better during uncertain periods.

Rather than simply tracking the broader market, this ETF leans into quality, which I think can make a difference over the long term.

It also complements global exposure by ensuring part of the portfolio is invested in Australian companies with strong fundamentals.

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

For growth, I'd include the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This ASX ETF provides exposure to a range of ASX-listed tech shares, including names that have been sold off heavily in recent periods. That volatility can be uncomfortable, but it can also create opportunities.

I think technology remains a key driver of long-term economic growth, and having some exposure to that theme makes sense. The businesses in this ETF won't all succeed, but the sector itself is likely to keep evolving and expanding.

VanEck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND)

Finally, I'd include a thematic allocation to defence through the VanEck Global Defence ETF.

With geopolitical tensions remaining elevated, defence spending is increasing across many parts of the world. That's not a short-term trend in my view, but something that could persist for years.

This ETF provides exposure to companies involved in defence and security, which are benefiting from that shift in government spending.

It's a more specialised investment, but I think it adds diversification and taps into a structural trend that isn't closely tied to typical economic cycles.

Foolish takeaway

This kind of $50,000 ETF portfolio blends broad market exposure with a handful of targeted growth themes.

There will be periods where some parts lag, particularly higher-growth areas like technology or emerging markets. But over time, I think this mix gives a solid foundation while still leaving room for stronger returns if those themes play out.

The post Where I'd invest $50,000 into ASX ETFs today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Markets have pulled back, sentiment has weakened, and a lot of growth-focused assets have come under pressure.

That doesn't feel great in the moment. But it can create an interesting setup.

Because when markets do eventually stabilise and rebound, it's often the higher-quality growth exposures that lead the way.

With that in mind, here are three ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I'd be looking at right now.

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

The iShares Global 100 ETF provides exposure to some of the largest and most dominant companies worldwide.

We're talking about global leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financials. These are businesses with strong balance sheets, global reach, and proven earnings power.

What I like about the IOO ETF is that it doesn't try to be too clever.

It simply gives you access to a concentrated group of high-quality global companies that have historically performed well over time.

In a rebound scenario, I think these businesses are well-positioned to recover strongly, especially as confidence returns to global markets.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is a more growth-focused option.

It tracks the Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted toward technology and innovation-driven companies.

This is typically one of the more volatile parts of the market. When sentiment turns negative, the NDQ ETF tends to fall harder. But when conditions improve, it can also rebound quickly.

That's why I think it's worth considering at times like this.

If the market does turn, exposure to sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital platforms could be a major driver of returns.

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

The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a more local angle on the same theme.

It provides exposure to Australian technology companies, including names involved in software, payments, and digital services.

These stocks have been hit particularly hard during the recent sell-off, with many trading well below their previous highs.

That can create a higher-risk, higher-reward setup.

If sentiment improves and investors rotate back into growth, the ATEC ETF could benefit as capital flows return to the sector.

Foolish Takeaway

Market pullbacks are never comfortable, but they can create opportunities.

The IOO ETF offers global quality, the NDQ ETF provides exposure to high-growth innovation, and the ATEC ETF adds a more aggressive local tech angle.

They're not guaranteed to rebound quickly, and volatility could continue in the short term.

But if markets do recover from here, I think these are the types of ETFs that could be well-positioned to move higher.

The post 3 ASX ETFs I'd buy for when the market rebounds appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to a wide range of companies through a single investment. That can make building a diversified portfolio much easier, particularly for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.

Personally, I think ETFs can also be useful tools for targeting different investment goals. 

Some are designed for long-term growth, others focus on income, and some provide diversification across global markets.

If I were thinking about those three goals, here are three ASX ETFs that stand out to me.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

When I think about long-term growth ETFs, the Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF is one of the first that comes to mind.

What I like most about the VDHG ETF is that it provides exposure to thousands of companies around the world through a single investment. The fund invests primarily in global and Australian shares, with smaller allocations to other asset classes like bonds.

The portfolio is heavily tilted toward growth assets, which is exactly what I would want if I were investing for the long term. Instead of relying on the Australian market alone, investors gain exposure to global economies and industries.

Personally, I think that global diversification can be very powerful over long periods of time. It allows investors to participate in the growth of companies and industries that simply don't exist on the ASX.

Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)

For investors focused on income, the Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF could be worth a closer look.

This ETF is designed to track an index made up of high-dividend-yielding Australian shares. Many of the companies included are well-known ASX dividend payers across sectors like banking, resources, telecommunications, and infrastructure. This includes BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

Australia has long been known for its dividend culture, and many companies regularly pay fully franked dividends. That can make income-focused ETFs particularly appealing for investors seeking passive income.

In my view, an ETF like the HYLD ETF could provide exposure to a diversified portfolio of high-yielding shares without needing to select individual dividend stocks.

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

Another ETF I find interesting is the iShares Global 100 ETF.

This fund focuses on around 100 of the largest and most established companies in the world. These businesses include global leaders across industries such as technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financial services.

What stands out to me about the IOO ETF is the quality of the companies it holds. Many of the businesses in the index are dominant global brands with strong competitive advantages and global revenue streams.

For Australian investors, this type of exposure can complement a domestic portfolio nicely. The ASX is heavily concentrated in banks and miners, so global ETFs like this can add exposure to sectors such as technology and global consumer brands.

Foolish takeaway

There is no single ASX ETF that suits every investor.

But in my view, different ETFs can play different roles within a portfolio. Some can help drive long-term growth, others can generate income, and some provide valuable global diversification.

The VDHG ETF offers broad global exposure with a strong growth focus. The HYLD ETF provides access to high-dividend Australian companies. And the IOO ETF gives investors exposure to some of the largest and most influential businesses in the world.

The post The ASX ETFs to buy for growth, income, and diversification appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This isn't about picking a single winner. It's about spreading bets across global growth engines and letting time do the heavy lifting.

Here's where I'd put $500 each.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF gives exposure to one of the most important long-term growth regions in the world.

This ETF invests across Asia excluding Japan, with meaningful weightings to China, Taiwan, India, South Korea, and Hong Kong. These markets are home to globally significant companies and industries, including semiconductors, financial services, ecommerce, and infrastructure.

What I like about allocating a modest amount here is diversification. Asian economies don't always move in sync with Australia or the US, and long-term growth rates in parts of the region remain structurally higher. It can be volatile at times, but as a long-term allocation, I think Asia deserves a seat at the table.

Putting $500 into the VAE ETF feels like a sensible way to tap into that growth without taking on single-country risk.

Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)

The Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF is a region many investors overlook, but I think it's worth considering.

European equities tend to trade at more conservative valuations than US markets and offer exposure to world-class global businesses across healthcare, consumer goods, industrials, and financials. These are companies that generate revenue globally, not just within Europe.

The VEQ ETF provides broad exposure across developed European markets, which helps smooth out country-specific risks. It's not the fastest-growing region in the world, but it does offer diversification and a different return profile to US-heavy portfolios.

For me, allocating $500 here would be about balance. It reduces reliance on a single market and adds exposure to high-quality global operators at reasonable valuations.

iShares Global 100 AUD ETF (ASX: IOO)

The iShares Global 100 AUD ETF is the ETF I'd choose for simple, concentrated exposure to the world's largest and most influential companies.

The IOO ETF tracks the S&P Global 100 Index, which includes 100 multinational blue-chip businesses that dominate their industries. Its top holdings read like a who's who of global corporate powerhouses, including NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, Eli Lilly, and Exxon Mobil.

What appeals to me here is clarity. You know exactly what you're getting. These are companies with scale, pricing power, and global reach. They're not early-stage growth stories, but they've proven their ability to generate cash flow and compound earnings over time.

As a long-term holding, the IOO ETF provides instant access to global leaders across technology, healthcare, energy, and financials, all in a single trade.

Foolish takeaway

If I were investing $1,500 today, I'd be very comfortable spreading $500 each across the Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF, the Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF, and the iShares Global 100 AUD ETF.

Together, they offer exposure to emerging growth in Asia, established global businesses in Europe, and the world's largest blue-chip companies. It's not about perfection. It's about sensible diversification, global reach, and staying invested for the long term.

The post Why I would invest $500 in each of these ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The backbone of any ETF portfolio is broad market exposure. A total world or developed markets ETFs give you instant access to thousands of companies across countries and sectors.

This portfolio leans on a 30% Australian base, around 35% global equities, and a stabilising mix of bonds and cash. It's designed to be boring in the best possible way.

Australian backbone

Every portfolio needs a strong local anchor, and ETFs like BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) or Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) will do the heavy lifting. Tracking the top 200 companies on the ASX, they give instant exposure to the pillars of the Australian market: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Banks, miners, and healthcare dominate, delivering dividends and a familiar economic link to home. At roughly 30% of a portfolio, this ETF provides stability and income without stock-picking risk.

Global heavyweights

For broad offshore exposure, iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) owns the biggest corporate names on the planet. This ETF holds around 100 global giants, including Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet.

The US leads the weighting, but Europe and Japan feature strongly, giving investors exposure to multiple economies through companies with global revenue streams. IOO forms the backbone of global equity exposure without overcomplicating things.

Growth kicker

While iShares Global 100 covers the world's blue chips, BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) adds growth firepower. Tracking the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX), it is packed with technology and innovation leaders such as Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Meta and Alphabet.

This tech ETF is more volatile, but it has historically driven returns during periods of strong global growth. A modest allocation helps tilt the portfolio toward the future without dominating it.

Liquidity and safety

Cash is unfashionable until markets fall apart. When share markets wobble, bonds often soften the blow, providing income and stability. This ETF acts as the portfolio's shock absorber rather than a return engine.

iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF) invests in high-interest bank deposits, offering capital stability and ready liquidity. It won't deliver fireworks, but it provides flexibility, whether for opportunities, expenses, or peace of mind.

Put together, these five ETFs or equivalent funds create a low-cost, diversified, easy-to-manage portfolio that spans Australian shares, global leaders, growth stocks, bonds, and cash. No guessing, just broad exposure built for the long haul.

The post 5 ETFs for an effective global portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX IOO outperformed some of the most popular exchanged-traded funds (ETFs) holding international shares.

For example, the iShares Core S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) rose 8.24% and delivered a total return of 10.13%.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) rose 9.81% and gave a total return of 13.34%.

It's worth noting that the indices that these ETFs track returned more than this, but the stronger AUD against the USD reduced the net outcome for ASX ETF holders.

We explain more about this impact here.

What makes IOO ETF unique?

IOO ETF provides Aussies with an easy way of investing in large-cap stocks all over the world.

Many investors prefer large-caps because they are larger, more established companies that typically pay reliable dividends.

IOO provides exposure the 100 largest companies in developed and emerging markets by tracking the S&P Global 100 Index.

However, as most of the world's biggest companies are US businesses, the geographic diversification provided by IOO is limited.

Just over 80% of IOO's investments are US companies.

The next biggest geographic exposures are the United Kingdom 4%, Switzerland and Germany at 3% each, France 2%, Japan 2%, and China and the Netherlands at 1% each.

IOO also has a narrow sector diversification, given most of the largest listed companies in the US are in the technology arena.

About 44% of IOO ETF's investments are in tech, followed by 11% in communications, 10% in financials, 9% each in consumer discretionary and healthcare, 6% in consumer staples, and 5% in industrials.

The top six holdings are Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) at 12%, Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) at 10%, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) at 9.5%, Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) at 6.5%, Alphabet Inc Class A (NASDAQ: GOOGL) at 5%, and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ: AVGO) at 4%.

Other global businesses that IOO invests in include Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (FRA: SSU), Toyota Motor Corp (TYO: 7203), Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (FRA: MFZ), and Nestle SA (FRA: NESN).

The index that IOO tracks, the S&P Global 100 Index, returned 27.16% last year, but as stated earlier, the currency impact reduced that to 17.87% for Aussie investors.

Last week, IOO ETF paid a final 2025 distribution of 56.02 cents per unit.

Investors who chose to reinvest their dividends via the distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) paid $187.62 per unit.

The post Own IOO ETF? Here's what happened with your investment in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Of course, past performance doesn't guarantee future returns. 

But it can be worthwhile to examine which global funds have performed strongly over an extended period of time. 

Here are three that focus on international stocks that have doubled since 2023. 

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

This fundamental ASX ETF provides investors with the return of the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX). 

This comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market, and includes many companies that are at the forefront of the new economy.

It has a strong focus on technology companies. This can give Aussie investors exposure to a high-growth potential sector that is underrepresented in the Australian sharemarket.

This includes companies like Apple, Amazon, and Google. 

Since January 2023, this fund has had an extremely strong return, climbing by 121%. 

This means a hypothetical investment of $10,000 at that time would have risen to $22,100 today.

This is before taking into account dividends or management fees. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

This fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 100 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of 100 multinational, blue-chip companies of major importance in global equity markets.

It's worth mentioning that this fund and the previous ASX ETF from Betashares share many of the same companies. 

That doesn't mean you can't own both. But they are relatively similar. 

This fund from iShares has a broader geographical and sector spread – it includes major companies from the US, Europe, Asia, etc. 

This global diversification has been a successful strategy over the last three years, as this fund has risen by roughly 98%. 

This means an initial investment of $10,000 would now be worth $19,800.

ETFs Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

According to Global X, this ASX ETF seeks to invest in companies at the leading edge of next-generation technology, which includes both household names and newcomers.

It is designed to be a core building block for growth-oriented portfolios, offering broad thematic exposure. 

By sector, it is weighted towards: 

• Information Technology (59.36%)
• Communication Services (29.73%)
• Consumer Discretionary (10.87%)

This has been a successful strategy over the last 3 years, with the fund rising an impressive 209%. 

That means an initial investment of $10,000 would now be worth $30,900. 

The post Guess how much $10,000 invested in these ASX ETFs 3 years ago is worth today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As will a slew of other investors holding iShares ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) comprised of international shares.

Here's how much you can expect to receive, according to the final distributions schedule.

If you've chosen to reinvest your dividends via the distribution reinvestment plan (DRP), we've also included those DRP unit prices below.

Here's how much you'll receive in dividends

Here is a summary of the dividend amounts that investors in these iShares ETFs will receive today.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) will pay 20.14 cents per unit. The DRP price is $68.66 per unit.

The iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) will pay 56.02 cents per unit. The DRP price is $187.62.

The iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA) will pay 102.25 cents per unit. The DRP price is $142.61.

The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM) will pay 60.22 cents per unit. The DRP price is $81.78.

The iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU) will pay 111.47 cents per unit. The DRP price is $101.12.

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP) will pay 463.45 cents per unit. The DRP price is $112.01.

The iShares S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ASX: IJH) will pay 20.52 cents per unit. The DRP price is $50.12.

The iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR) will pay 72.41 cents per unit. The DRP price is $183.87.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI) will pay 70.97 cents per unit. The DRP price is $96.03.

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) will pay 72.35 cents per unit. The DRP price is $144.79.

The iShares S&P China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ) will pay 47.14 cents per unit. The DRP price is $56.91.

More dividends to come

If you hold iShares ETFs comprised of ASX shares, you will receive your dividend payments on 19 January.

Blackrock finalised the amounts to be paid this week.

Some examples of these ETFS include the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ), which will pay 18.37 cents per unit.

iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC) will pay 19.91 cents per unit.

iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO) will pay 4.78 cents per unit.

iShares Yield Plus ETF (ASX: IYLD) will pay investors 38.01 cents per unit.

iShares 15+ Year Australian Government Bond ETF (ASX: ALTB) will pay 64.48 cents per unit.

iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD) will pay 14.52 cents per unit.

The post Own IVV or IOO ETFs? It's dividend payday for you! appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The ETFs, which all hold international shares, include iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) and iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO).

According to the final distributions schedule, BlackRock will pay ASX ETF investors next Friday, 9 January.

BlackRock has also announced the unit price for each ETF's distribution reinvestment plan (DRP).

Here are the details below.

Dividend amounts for iShares ASX ETF investors

Here is a summary of the dividend amounts that investors in these iShares ETFs will receive on 9 January.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) will pay 20.139782 cents per unit. The DRP price is $68.66.

The iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) will pay 56.022206 cents per unit. The DRP price is $187.62.

The iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA) will pay 102.246930 cents per unit. The DRP price is $142.61.

The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM) will pay 60.218221 cents per unit. The DRP price is $81.78.

The iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU) will pay 111.471175 cents per unit. The DRP price is $101.12.

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP) will pay 463.446530 cents per unit. The DRP price is $112.01.

The iShares S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ASX: IJH) will pay 20.521395 cents per unit. The DRP price is $50.12.

The iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR) will pay 72.410620 cents per unit. The DRP price is $183.87.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI) will pay 70.973956 cents per unit. The DRP price is $96.03.

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) will pay 72.347038 cents per unit. The DRP price is $144.79.

The iShares S&P China Large-Cap ETF (ASX: IZZ) will pay 47.139823 cents per unit. The DRP price is $56.91.

More dividend announcements to come

BlackRock will announce the estimated dividends for a second group of ETFs, which all hold ASX shares, on 6 January.

Those ETFs will include the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) and the iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC).

The ex-dividend date will be 7 January.

BlackRock will announce the finalised distribution amounts on 8 January and send payments to investors on 19 January.

The post Own IVV or IOO ETFs? Here's your next dividend appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's why many investors are turning to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which according to Betashares, will see fund inflows of more than $50 billion this year.

I like ETFs for their ease of use, and despite there being literally hundreds of ETFs on offer, it's relatively easy to find an investment thematic which will suit your purposes.

Cybersecurity in focus

For myself, one ETF I can't go past is the Betashares global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK).

While the ETF has come off a bit over the past month, pushing its 12 month total return down to 5.7%, given the huge investment inflows into the artificial intelligence field at the moment, I can't help but think this ETF will come into its own in the next couple of years, returning to its longer-term performance of 24.1% over three years and 13.5% over five.

This ETF holds stakes in companies such as Cisco Systems, Crowdstrike Holdings, and Cloudflare.

Local income play

For exposure to Australian shares and their dividend yields, I'd go with Vanguard Australian shares High Yield (ASX: VHY), which has more than $6 billion in funds under management and returned 14.4% over the past 12 months.

VHY has a fully-franked dividend yield of 8.3%, which is great for investors seeking regular income, and it pays out quarterly.

The top holdings in VHY mirror the S&P/ASX 20 Index and include BHP Group (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

Global leaders

Looking outside of Australian shares, the iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) is a solid option, with a total return over the past year of 17.5% and 27.3% over a three-year horizon.

As the name suggests, this ETF aims to give investors exposure to 100 of the largest global stocks in one fund, and is more geared towards capital growth than dividend returns.

Investing in IOO gives exposure to the trillion-dollar Nvidia as well as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Google owner Alphabet.

While I've selected three ETFs which suit my investment profile, there are literally hundreds of other options out there.

CommSec recently revealed the three most popular ETFs traded on its platform during 2025, and only IOO among my picks was in the top three, coming in at third place.

The second-most popular ETF was the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ), which aims to track the top 200 Australian companies, while the most popular was the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), which aims to track the tech-heavy NASDAQ's top 100 index.

The post The three ETFs I'd buy to set up a starter portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

CommSec has just announced which ETFs investors using its platform have favoured over the past year, and perhaps not surprisingly, they have a global and a technology focus.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

First cab off the rank is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF, which aims to track the tech-heavy NASDAQ's top 100 index, and given how US tech stocks have been performing over the past year, it's no surprise that this one has done well.

According to the Betashares website, this ETF has delivered a 20.87% return over the past year, not far off its index benchmark of 21.32%.

And over three years, the returns are even better, returning 29.49% against the index's 29.96%.

The fund's top holding is Nvidia, comprising 9% of its holdings, followed by Apple at 8.8%, Microsoft at 7.7%, and Broadcom at 5.5%.

That's just ahead of Amazon at 5.1%.

Other holdings include Alphabet, Tesla, and Meta.

iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)

As the name suggests, this ETF, the second most popular with CommSec users, seeks to track the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which comprises the top 200 companies listed on the Australian bourse.

Australian shares have not performed anywhere near as well as the top US tech stocks over the past year, and this is reflected in the relatively muted return for this ETF of 5.44% over one year and a three-year return of 9.61%.

Given it tracks the top Aussie stocks, the largest holdings should be no surprise, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) the top dog at a 9.84% weighting, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) at 8.61%, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) at 5.03%, and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) at 4.92%.

Other companies in the top 10 holdings include CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG), and Goodman Group (ASX: GMG).

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

The third-most popular ETF among CommSec customers has a global focus; however, considering the dominance of US stocks, its holdings are similar to the NDQ ETF.

The fund aims to track 100 of the largest global stocks, and again, Nvidia and Apple are at the top of the holdings list, with 11.65% and 11.26% of the fund in these two stocks, respectively.

Among the differences between the ETFs is IOO's 2.42% holding in JP Morgan and holdings in Eli Lilly and Walmart.

This ETF has returned 22.43% over the past year and 28.04% over the past three years.

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IOO ETF is an index-tracking ETF that provides investors with exposure to the 100 largest companies in the world.

That sounds like smart investing, especially if you like the sleep-at-night factor of your money being in large, established companies.

However, it's worth noting that since so many of the world's most successful companies are based in the US, your geographic diversification is pretty narrow with this ETF.

About 81% of the underlying stocks it invests in, by mirroring the S&P Global 100 Index, are US companies. The next biggest geographic exposures are the United Kingdom 4%, Switzerland 3%, Germany 3%, France 2%, Japan 2%, China 1%, and the Netherlands 1%.

Tied to that narrow geographic diversification is lower sector diversification, given that the biggest companies in the US are tech-heavy.

About 45% of the IOO ETF's stocks are in the technology sector. The other big sector exposures are communications 10%, financials 10%, consumer discretionary 9%, healthcare 9%, and consumer staples 6%.

Like many diversified ASX ETFs invested in international shares, the IOO ETF has benefited from the US market's screaming three-year run.

The narrow geographic and sector diversification has strongly worked in investors' favour, and in tandem with the explosive growth of the 'Magnificent Seven' — Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet Class A and Class C, Meta Platforms, and Tesla.

Let's see how all this translates for a $10,000 investment in the IOO ETF three years ago.

What is $10,000 in IOO ETF worth now?

On 21 November 2022, IOO closed at $65.91 apiece.

If you had put $10,000 into the IOO ETF then, it would have bought you 151 units (for $9,952.41).

There's been capital growth of $124.46 per unit since then, which equates to $18,793.46 in dollar terms.

IOO ETF also pays dividends (or 'distributions' with ETFs) twice per year.

Since 21 November 2022, IOO has paid $3.50 per unit in distributions.

This means you would have received $528.50 in dividend income over the past three years.

Your capital gain of $18,793.46 plus your distributions of $528.50 gives you a total return in dollar terms of $19,321.96.

To recap, you invested $9,952.41 buying your 151 units of IOO ETF on 21 November 2022.

This means you have received a total return, in percentage terms, of 194% since then.

Today, your $10,000 investment in IOO ETF is worth $28,745 (excluding your $528.50 in income, which you spent on something fun).

The iShares Global 100 AUD ETF has a management fee of 0.4%.

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ASX IOO provides exposure to the 100 largest companies in the world.

IOO ETF is an index-tracking ETF that seeks to mirror the performance of the S&P Global 100 Index, before fees.

Needless to say, it has a heavy skew to US shares (80%), given many of the world's most successful companies are based there.

The next biggest geographic exposures are the United Kingdom (4%), Germany (3.5%), Switzerland (3%), France (2.5%), Japan (2%), and China (1.5%).

From a sector point of view, the biggest exposures are technology 45%, financials 10.5%, consumer discretionary 9.6%, healthcare 8.6%, and communications 7.6%.

The top 10 holdings are Nvidia (13.5%), Apple (11%), Microsoft (10.5%), Amazon (6.5%), semiconductor and infrastructure software company Broadcom (4.7%), Alphabet Class A (4.5%) and Class C (3.6%), America's biggest bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co (2.3%), Mounjaro maker Eli Lilly (2%) and Chinese entertainment conglomerate, TenCent Holdings (1.4%).

Like many diversified international share ETFs, the IOO has benefited from the incredible three-year run for US shares.

Since its inception in December 2000, the IOO ETF has returned an annual average of 7.17%, but its three-year average annual return is a much more impressive 28%.

Let's see how that translates from a $10,000 investment a year ago.

What is $10,000 in IOO ETF a year ago worth now?

On 4 November 2024, IOO closed at $147.77 apiece.

If you had put $10,000 into IOO ETF then, it would have bought you 67 units (for $9,900.59).

There's been capital growth of $42.37 per unit since then, which means $2,838.79 in dollar terms.

IOO ETF also pays dividends (called distributions with ETFs) twice per year.

Since 4 November 2024, IOO has paid just under $1.15 per unit in distributions.

This means you would have received $77.05 in dividend income over the past 12 months.

Your capital gain of $2,838.79 plus your distributions of $77.05 gives you a total return in dollar terms of $2,915.84.

To recap, you invested $9,900.59 buying your 67 units of IOO ETF on 4 November 2024.

This means you have received a total return, in percentage terms, of 29.45% in just 12 months.

Today, your IOO units are worth $12,739.38 (with $77.05 in distributions paid into your bank account).

The iShares Global 100 AUD ETF has a management expense ratio (MER) of 0.4%.

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Ongoing strength in the US market is lifting not just ASX ETFs holding US stocks but also those holding diversified international shares.

This is because US shares dominate diversified global ETFs as America is home to so many of the world's largest and most profitable businesses.

For example, the VGS ETF is invested in about 1,300 of the world's largest companies listed in major developed countries.

About 76% of those companies are in the US.

Another example is the iShares Global 100 AUD ETF (ASX: IOO), which seeks to track the performance of the 100 biggest global equities.

Just under 81% of IOO ETF holdings are US shares.

Last night, the benchmark index for the US market, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), smashed another record high at 6,698.88 points.

The S&P 500 is up 13.8% in the year to date compared to an 8.2% bump for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Last night, the Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI) also hit a record 46,447.13 points, up 9% this year.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) followed suit with its own record of 22,801.90 points, up 26.8% in 2025.

On the ASX today, the ASX 200 is up 0.74% and the S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) is up 0.69%.

Let's look at some of the ASX ETFs holding international shares that are setting new 52-week highs, if not all-time records, today.

International ASX ETFs smash records on Tuesday

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This follows a big session on Wall Street, with the benchmark S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) reaching another record close of 6,656.8 points.

Today's strong market appears to be having an outsized impact on ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

At the time of writing, an extraordinary number of ETFs have hit new 52-week highs, or multi-year highs, on the back of today's exuberance.

In fact, at the time of writing, 68 ASX exchange-traded funds have hit new high prices.

Macroeconomic elements may be playing a role in the market surge.

Yesterday, we had the news that the US Fed Reserve has cut interest rates and Australia's jobless rate held steady last month.

ETFs are a favoured way for Aussie investors to access international markets without the hassle of trading on an overseas exchange.

The amazing three-year run for US equities has inspired Aussie investors to think beyond the ASX 200 and the local banks and miners.

The popularity of ETFs is a global trend playing out strongly in Australia.

Betashares data shows Australian investors ploughed a record $5.28 billion into ASX ETFs in July alone.

68 ASX shares setting new records today

Here is a sample of the 68 ASX exchange-traded funds smashing new highs today.

The post 68 ASX ETFs smash multi-year highs amid strong trading on Friday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They offer high earners broad market exposure and diversification without the hassle of managing a range of individual stocks and their individual fees. Essentially, ETF investors are able to buy a bunch of shares via a single trade and for one brokerage fee.

Not only that, but another upside is that many dividend-paying ASX ETFs pass on franking credits to investors. That means our highest-earning professionals, who face higher marginal tax rates, can use franking credits to reduce their tax liability. 

So, which ASX ETFs are Australia's highest-earning professionals investing in?

The Financial Review, using Stockpot data, has collated a list of the most popular ASX ETFs. Here's what it revealed.

How top earners invest

The analysis takes a snapshot of six of Australia's top-earning professions – mining, gas and oil professionals; finance professionals; chief executives and general managers; doctors and medical professionals; legal, social and welfare professionals; and the average Stockpot user.

The data shows that Australians who work in the mining, gas and oil sector have the highest investment risk appetites by occupation. Stockpot found that 97% of those professionals are invested in one of its 'aggressive' portfolios. These portfolios include growth and high-growth stocks.

This is compared to 85% of finance professionals who invest in the same portfolio, 80% of chief executives and general managers, 72% of doctors and medical professionals, and 65% of legal, social and welfare professionals.

For context, 67% of average Stockpot users also invest in the portfolio.

Source: Financial Review/Stockpot

The most popular ASX ETFs in Stockpot's 'aggressive' portfolio

Stockpot's aggressive-growth portfolio is made up of 78% growth assets, such as shares. It also comprises 22% of defensive assets such as gold, government and corporate bonds.

That portfolio, which is Stockspot's most popular, includes:

• Vanguard's Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)
• MSCI emerging markets and core composite bonds such as Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE) and iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM)
• Etfs Metal Securities Australia – Etfs Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD)

Stockpot's growth portfolio has similar ETFs, but a higher proportion (30%) in defensive assets.

Most traded ASX ETFs of FY25

Some of these ETFs also made the list of the most-traded ASX ETFs by Stake customers in FY25, highlighting their popularity across all types of investors.

Online trading platform Stake noted that for the financial year ending 30 June, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF was the second most popular among all its customers, with an 81% buy to 19% sell ratio.

The Global X Physical Gold ETF also made the list with an 86% buy and 14% sell ratio.

The post Australia's highest earners are betting big on these ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the time of writing, there are more than 380 funds to consider. That means investors can find everything from broad international funds, to niche thematic funds. 

While some investors prefer to closely monitor the stock market daily, there are others that may prefer to stash a bit of excess cash in a proven fund and trust the historical data that suggests long term investing pays off. 

If that sounds like you, here are three ASX ETFs you may want to consider that have brought proven returns over the long term. 

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

This fund is designed to measure the performance of 100 multi-national, blue chip companies of major importance in global equity markets.

It has a straightforward approach to track the largest companies in the world. 

At the time of writing (unsurprisingly), its largest exposure is to the US market (80%). 

However unlike some other similar funds, it also offers international exposure to some of the largest companies outside the US. 

Its top 3 holdings by weight are: 

• Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA): 13.33%
• Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT): 12.18%
• Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL): 9.53%

It has risen 115.52% over the last 5 years, at an annualised rate of 19.19%. 

BetaShares Global Banks ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: BNKS)

As the name suggests, this fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that comprises the largest global banks. 

It actively excludes Australian banks, which could make it ideal for investors who already have exposure to the big four. 

It includes exposure to the largest banks across countries such as: 

• United States (33.3% weighting) 
• Canada (14.0%)
• Britain (9.7%)
• Japan (8.6%)
• Spain (6.1%)

The fund has a 5 year p.a. Return of 20.18%. 

BetaShares Geared Australian Equity Fund (Hedge Fund) (ASX: GEAR)

This fund has a unique strategy, but has been a proven winner over the long term. 

According to Betashares, it is 'internally geared', meaning all gearing obligations are met by the Fund. The Fund combines funds received from investors with borrowed funds and invests the proceeds in a broadly diversified share portfolio consisting of the largest 200 equity securities on the ASX by market capitalisation (as measured by the S&P/ASX 200 Index).

The Fund's gearing ratio (being the total amount borrowed expressed as a percentage of the total assets of the Fund) is managed between 50-65% on any given day.

GEAR gives you the opportunity to make magnified gains when the Australian sharemarket rises on a given day, and magnified losses when the Australian sharemarket falls.

This strategy has paid off, bringing 5 year p.a returns of 21.99% for a total increase of 110.90%. For context, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has risen 50% in that same period.

The post Three "set and forget" ASX ETFs with proven track records appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And while it is possible, the reality is that a single $100 investment will take a long time to turn into $1,000. Even with strong compounding, it could take decades for a one-off $100 to grow into a ten-bagger.

But there is a smarter way to grow wealth. By consistently investing $100 every month, you could smash through the $1,000 milestone and begin building real wealth over time.

The power of regular investing

If you invest $100 each month into the share market and earn an average annual return of 10% (in line with historical share market averages, but not guaranteed), you would grow your portfolio to just over $20,000 in 10 years.

That's a massive leap on the original target, with compounding doing the heavy lifting as your returns generate more returns. In other words, the $1,000 target becomes a stepping stone, not the finish line.

How to get started with $100

The good news is you don't need to be wealthy to start. Low-cost micro investing apps, like Pocket from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), make it possible to begin with as little as $50 per trade. That means everyday Australians can start building an investment portfolio straight from their smartphone.

And when it comes to what to buy, simple, diversified exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are often the best option for beginners.

One option is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), which gives you exposure to global tech leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

For broader global coverage, the iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) holds blue-chip companies across multiple industries, including Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (FRA: MOH), and McDonalds (NYSE: MCD).

And for those wanting exposure to the Australian market, the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) is a low-cost way to invest in the country's 200 largest companies, such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC).

Foolish takeaway

Turning $100 into $1,000 won't happen overnight. But by consistently investing $100 a month into high-quality ETFs, you could achieve that milestone quickly and keep going far beyond it.

With micro investing apps lowering the barriers to entry, there has never been an easier time for everyday Australians to start their investing journey. The key is to start small, stay consistent, and let compounding work its magic.

The post How to turn $100 into $1,000 by investing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It's been a great week for the market after an interest rate cut on Tuesday and data showing lower unemployment in July on Thursday.

Hence, the ASX 200's record high was reset on Tuesday, Thursday, and again this afternoon.

What's happening with the ASX 200 on Friday?

Reporting season continues, with ASX 200 healthcare giant Cochlear Ltd (ASX: COH) releasing its full-year FY25 results today.

Cochlear reported a 9% increase in statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) to $389 million for FY25 and a final dividend of $2.15 per share.

Investors appear nonplussed by the numbers, with the Cochlear share price down 0.25% to $305.35 at the time of writing.

Meanwhile, Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) shares are leading the ASX 200 today, rising 9.45% to an intraday peak of $29.64 after the company announced a $1.1 billion acquisition.

Here are the other top risers today.

Fastest rising ASX 200 shares on Friday

Source: asx.com.au at time of writing

ASX shares hitting multi-year highs today

Meanwhile, a bunch of ASX 200 shares have reached multi-year high share prices today.

Here is a sample.

Source: Google Finance at the time of writing

Popular ASX ETFs reach new price milestones on Friday

Some popular ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also reached new record price levels today.

They include:

Source: Google Finance at the time of writing

Yesterday, we reported that Australians ploughed a record $5.82 billion into ASX ETFs last month.

What's on next week?

ASX 200 investors are gearing up for a big week next week.

Many ASX 200 heavyweights are due to release their latest financial reports.

They include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Ampol, Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), Goodman Group (ASX: GMG), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), and Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO).

There will also be strong interest in the results from Zip Co Ltd (ASX: ZIP), Charter Hall Group, and HUB24 Ltd (ASX: HUB).

The post Oops, the ASX 200 did it again! Another record high appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's take a look at how much you'll receive.

If you chose to participate in the distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) for any of these iShares ETFs, we've provided the DRP prices, too.

It's dividend day for IVV ETF investors and others

Here is a summary of the dividend amounts that people invested in these iShares ETFs will receive today.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) will pay 17.371762 cents per unit. The DRP price is 62.963308 cents.

The iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO) will pay 144.788408 cents per unit. The DRP price is 162.474210 cents.

The iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ) will pay 28.004199 cents per unit. The DRP price is 34.308186 cents.

The iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA) will pay 317.017910 cents per unit. The DRP price is 120.104281 cents.

The iShares Core Composite Bond ETF (ASX: IAF) will pay 71.863797 cents per unit. The DRP price is 103.551430 cents.

The iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF (ASX: IEM) will pay 73.321424 cents per unit. The DRP price is 73.626987 cents.

The iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU) will pay 201.329885 cents per unit. The DRP price is 95.752689 cents.

The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO) will pay 142.553569 cents per unit. The DRP price is 111.875719 cents.

The iShares S&P/ASX 20 ETF (ASX: ILC) will pay 35.765356 cents per unit. The DRP price is 32.314116 cents.

But wait, there's more…

The iShares Government Inflation ETF (ASX: ILB) will pay 45.856295 cents per unit. The DRP price is 126.033139 cents.

The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP) will pay 99.526157 cents per unit. The DRP price is 114.127567 cents.

The iShares S&P Mid-Cap ETF (ASX: IJH) will pay 15.907814 cents per unit. The DRP price is 47.288231 cents.

The iShares S&P Small-Cap ETF (ASX: IJR) will pay 56.095190 cents per unit. The DRP price is 167.136029 cents.

The iShares S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries ETF (ASX: ISO) will pay 5.747119 cents per unit. The DRP price is 4.931342 cents.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI) will pay 103.428384 cents per unit. The DRP price is 98.952519 cents.

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) will pay 135.427098 cents per unit. The DRP price is 130.135897 cents.

How did ASX IVV perform in FY25?

The IVV ETF seeks to track the performance of the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) before fees.

US shares outperformed ASX shares again in FY25, and IVV ETF investors reaped the benefits.

The IVV ETF increased by 15.02% and delivered total returns (including dividends) of 15.13%, according to BlackRock.

Data from S&P Global shows the S&P 500 rose by 13.63% to close at 6,204.95 points on 30 June.

If we add dividends, the S&P 500's total gross return for the year was 15.16%.

The difference between the growth rate of the S&P 500 and the IVV ETF represents the impact of the currency exchange.

In Australian dollar terms, S&P Global data shows the S&P 500 rose by 15.8%, with total gross returns of 17.36%.

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