But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to buy.

Don't worry, I will now narrow things down by picking out three that could be best buys as the month of May approaches rapidly.

Here's why they could be worth considering for a $1,000 investment:

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. It is heavily weighted towards technology and growth-oriented businesses.

Its holdings include companies such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA).

Demand for AI, cloud computing, and digital services continues to support growth across this group of companies. This could make the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF a strong performer over the next decade and beyond.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This ETF tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index, giving investors access to 500 large-cap US stocks.

Its holdings include companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Walmart (NYSE: WMT), and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

This means that the iShares S&P 500 ETF provides broad exposure to the US economy, which remains the largest and most influential market globally. It also offers diversification across sectors and tends to be less concentrated than more thematic ETFs.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This ETF focuses on companies that are judged to have sustainable competitive advantages, often referred to as economic moats.

Its holdings include companies such as Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Visa (NYSE: V), and Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB). Visa stands out due to its global payments network, which benefits from high margins and strong network effects.

In addition, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF incorporates a valuation overlay, selecting companies that are not only high quality but also trading at what is considered an attractive price.

This combination of quality and valuation offers a different approach compared to traditional index tracking ETFs.

The post Are these the best ASX ETFs to buy with $1,000 in May? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Aussies now have $329 billion invested in ETFs, and March was the third-highest month for net inflows ever.

In recent years, ASX investors have used ETFs to gain easy exposure via the local exchange to US stocks amid runaway gains.

US stocks outperformed ASX shares for a third consecutive year in 2025.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: INX) delivered total returns of 17.88% last year vs. 10.32% for S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares.

While Aussie investors have been keen on US shares since 2023, ETF provider, Betashares, says the trend is now changing.

Betashares chief economist David Bassanese says investors are pulling out of ETFs exposed to US stocks in favour of local shares.

Bassanese estimates that the split in daily inflows into Betashares' domestic-based and international-based ETFs is now about 50:50.

Data shows on 3 March, the daily inflows into Betashares' global shares-based funds was $52 million vs. $13 million into ASX shares.

On 30 March, about a month into the Iran war, the inflows were $68 million into global shares-based ETFs and $50 million into ASX shares.

Bassanese told The Weekend Australian:

We can see the flows between local and international are lineball now, so this is a big shift.

I think people are hunkering down closer to home.

Due to the size of the American economy, US stocks typically form a large chunk of international shares-based ASX ETFs.

This means an exodus from international ETFs signals less confidence in the US market, in particular.

Flight to perceived safety

During economic upheaval, it's not uncommon for Aussie investors to focus on the perceived safety of ASX shares.

And we have a little upheaval afoot, right?

A global oil shock with no end in sight, plummeting consumer confidence, resurgent inflation, the likelihood of further interest rate rises in Australia this year, and an upcoming Federal Budget that is expected to raise property taxes and provide limited cost-of-living relief.

The main reason investors switch to ASX shares is their relatively high dividend returns of 3.5% to 4.5% per annum.

Many ASX dividend shares also offer the benefit of 100% franking credits.

This means dividend income is virtually tax-free for those on the personal tax rate of 30 cents in the dollar.

Another appealing element to ASX shares-based ETFs is their exposure to mining stocks amid the new mining boom.

Top 10 ASX ETFs for inflows and outflows last month

Betashares analysed ASX and CBOE data to determine the top 10 ETFs for inflows and outflows last month.

The top ASX ETF for outflows was the largest exchange-traded fund by market capitalisation exposed to US shares.

About $460 million flowed out of the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) last month, however, $232 million flowed into the iShares S&P 500 AUD Hedged ETF (ASX: IHVV), indicating investors haven't given up on US shares but want some protection from the weaker US dollar.

The top ETF for inflows was Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), which received about $896 million.

The post ASX ETF investors exit US stocks in favour of Aussie shares: Betashares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The fund is invested in many of the largest and most profitable US companies such as Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Broadcom, Meta Platforms, Tesla and Berkshire Hathaway.

Investment performance has been exceptional, though past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, of course.

Over the past five years it has returned an average of 14.1% per year and in the past decade it has returned an average of 15.2% per year. In the past three years, it generated an average return of 17.2% per year.

Great at building wealth

I think any investment that can compound wealth at a faster rate than 10% per year is very attractive.

Imagine if it could continue to deliver returns of an average of 12% per year from here? I've chosen a return rate materially below what it has achieved over the last 10 and 15 years. If it returned 12% per year in that time, a $1,000 investment per month would become $1 million in around 20 years.

Allocating more money (such as $2,000 per month) to the IVV ETF could help create $1 million faster than 20 years, or generate a much stronger level of wealth after 20 years.

How I'd create passive income from the IVV ETF

The ASX ETF does have a small dividend yield which some investors may appreciate. But, due to the fact that the dividend yield of the underlying companies is low, the dividend yield of the fund itself is low.

At the end of March 2026, the fund reported a 12-month trailing dividend yield of just 1%. If someone had $1 million, then that dividend yield would only create $10,000 of passive income. I'd be looking for a lot more cash flow than that.

I'd utilise a strategy of selling down a small portion of the amount each year to create that desired cash flow/passive income of $50,000.

For example, in the first year, if I started with a $1 million in IVV ETF, I'd expect $10,000 of dividends and I could sell another $40,000 of the ASX ETF's units after 12 months for a total of $50,000. In other words, we've tapped a 5% passive income 'yield' on the original $1 million balance.

If the fund delivered a total return of say 10% during that 12-month period, the $1 million would grow to $1.05 million (after accounting for the 'withdrawal' of $50,000). In this scenario, we've unlocked great cash flow/passive income and seen the nest egg grow in value.

I'd only want to take out around 4% to 5% each year (or less) because some years may only see a small return, or even declines. So, it's a good idea to save some of the gains for when the market does temporarily decline.

By selling down a portion of a great capital growth investment each year, we can build wealth and generate cash flow.

The post How I'd use the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) to create $50,000 annual passive income appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Getting started early gives you time in the market, and that is where a lot of the long-term benefit comes from. The goal at this stage is to build a simple approach that you can stick with and continue adding to over time.

Here is how I would go about it.

Keep it simple to begin with

With $1,000, I think simplicity is important.

Trying to spread that amount across too many ASX shares can make things harder to manage and dilute the impact of each investment. I would focus on one or two positions to start with and build from there.

That keeps the portfolio easy to follow and makes it clearer how each investment is performing.

Start with broad exposure

One approach I like is to begin with an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that gives exposure to a large part of the market.

For example, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) provides access to many of the largest companies listed on the ASX in a single investment. That includes businesses across sectors such as banking, mining, and healthcare.

Alternatively, the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) does the same for the US market.

This kind of exposure can help reduce risk while still allowing you to participate in the overall growth of the market.

Add a high-quality ASX share

Alongside an ETF, I would consider adding one individual ASX share.

The focus here would be on quality. I would look for a business with a strong position in its industry and the ability to grow over time.

For example, ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) has a long history of growth in global healthcare, while Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) has built a portfolio of strong retail and industrial businesses, including Kmart and Bunnings.

Owning companies like these can add a different dimension to the portfolio alongside the ETF.

Invest regularly over time

The first $1,000 is just the starting point.

What matters more is the habit that follows. Adding to your investments regularly, even in smaller amounts, can build momentum over time.

This approach also helps smooth out market movements, as you are investing across different conditions rather than trying to pick the perfect moment.

Stay focused on the long term

Share prices will move around in the short term.

What matters is how the businesses and investments perform over time. 

Keeping a long-term mindset can make it easier to stay invested and avoid reacting to short-term changes.

Foolish takeaway

Getting started with $1,000 is about building a foundation.

A simple mix of broad market exposure and high-quality ASX shares can be a solid way to begin. Over time, adding regularly and staying focused on the long term can turn that first investment into something much larger.

The post How to start investing in ASX shares with $1,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That is why the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) continues to stand out to me as a compelling option.

Here are three reasons I would consider investing $5,000 into this exchange-traded fund (ETF) today.

Access to the world's most influential companies

The IVV ETF provides exposure to the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX), which includes many of the largest and most influential companies in the world.

These businesses operate across technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer sectors, and they play a central role in the global economy.

This includes Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, McDonald's, and Tesla.

What I find compelling is how these companies continue to evolve.

They invest heavily in innovation, expand into new markets, and build platforms that reach billions of people. Over time, that can support strong earnings growth and long-term returns.

For me, the iShares S&P 500 ETF offers a way to access that group of companies in a single investment.

A history of long-term growth

The US market has delivered strong long-term returns over many decades.

That performance has been driven by a combination of innovation, productivity, and the ability of companies to scale globally.

The IVV ETF captures that dynamic.

It provides exposure to a market that continues to lead in areas such as technology, healthcare, and capital markets. That leadership can translate into ongoing growth over time.

For investors focused on the long term, I think that track record is an important part of the story.

Diversification and low-cost access

Another reason I like the IVV ETF is its diversification and low fees.

It provides exposure to 500 companies across a wide range of industries, which creates a broad and balanced portfolio within a single investment.

That diversification helps spread exposure across sectors, which means each can contribute to returns at different points in the cycle, which can support more consistent long-term outcomes.

Cost is another key part of the appeal. The iShares S&P 500 ETF comes with a very low management fee of 0.04%, which allows more of the underlying returns to stay with investors over time. Over long periods, that can make a meaningful difference to overall performance.

I think this combination of diversification and low-cost access is what makes the ETF such an efficient long-term investment.

Foolish Takeaway

The IVV ETF offers exposure to some of the most influential companies in the world, backed by a long history of growth and a simple, low-cost structure.

For me, it is an ETF that I think could form a strong foundation for long-term investing, supported by the strength and scale of the US market.

The post 3 reasons I'd invest $5,000 in the iShares S&P 500 IVV ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In many cases, a small number of well-chosen exchange traded funds (ETFs) can do most of the heavy lifting. The trick is finding funds that each play a clear role, so they work together rather than overlap.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could form the backbone of a portfolio this year.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

Instead of chasing the fastest-growing companies, this fund leans into consistency.

It focuses on businesses with strong returns on equity, stable earnings, and low debt. These are often the companies that quietly keep delivering, regardless of the economic backdrop.

Its holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Visa (NYSE: V).

What makes the fund interesting in a portfolio is its role as a stabiliser. It does not rely on one theme or one cycle. It is built around the idea that high-quality businesses tend to keep compounding over time. It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF that could form a core position is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

It is often seen as a simple way to invest in the US market, but it can also be thought of as a proxy for global innovation.

Many of the world's most influential companies are listed in the United States, and this ETF gives broad exposure to them in one trade.

Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL).

The strength of the iShares S&P 500 ETF is coverage. It does not try to pick winners. It owns the market, allowing the biggest and most successful companies to naturally take up more space over time.

BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

A third ASX ETF that could complete the picture is BetaShares Australian Quality ETF.

It applies a similar quality lens as the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF, but to ASX shares.

It selects companies based on factors like profitability, earnings stability, and balance sheet strength. This results in a portfolio that looks quite different to the broader ASX 200.

Its holdings can include names such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

This means that rather than always being heavily weighted to just banks and miners, it tilts toward businesses with stronger underlying fundamentals. It was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to build a portfolio around in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Fresh analysis from the team at Betashares has laid out the roadmap for a best and worst-case scenario this week. 

Global equities trending up

International stocks rose further last week, reflecting hopes around US-Iran peace talks.

Global equity markets have now staged a three-week rebound on peace-talk hopes. The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) is now trading above the levels prevailing just before the Iran war began.

According to Betashares, US stocks fell the least during the initial sell-off and have so far rebounded the hardest, with the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) ending last week 6.9% above its 27 February weekly close.

Interestingly, while the NASDAQ-100 and S&P 500 continued to rise, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) dipped 0.15% last week.

Betashares Chief Economist David Bassanese said in a release today that, in theory, a two-week ceasefire deal was supposed to have included a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. 

But within 24 hours of saying the Strait was open, Iran said it was closed again – due to the US' own blockade of Iranian-linked ships. 

At the time of writing, there's news of the US seizing an Iranian ship, for which Iran has vowed retaliation. Iran has also denied US reports suggesting talks were set to resume.  

Suffice to say confusion reigns supreme! If there's one guiding light for markets, it's the idea that the longer the war drags on and the higher oil prices go, the greater the political pressure on President Trump to cut a deal. In short, in TACO we trust – though patience is being tested.

The week ahead

Betashares commentary said this week we are facing a best and worst-case scenario.

• The worst-case scenario is Iranian attacks on US military ships, potentially even sinking one with casualties. That could spark an "all bets are off" resumption of US/Israel missile strikes, potentially including Iranian energy infrastructure, which in turn could spark Iranian attacks on energy and water infrastructure across the Middle East.
• The best-case scenario is no tit-for-tat ship attacks and an agreement to hold more talks. 

It will be worth keeping track of technology shares here in Australia after a strong rebound last week. 

At the time of writing, the S&P/ASX 200 Information Technology Index (ASX: XIJ) is up a further 1% today, after a massive rally last week.

How to target these sectors

For investors who expect the S&P 500 and/or NASDAQ-100 Index to keep rumbling ahead, there are several ASX ETFs that offer exposure: 

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)
• BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Meanwhile, if you expect Aussie tech to keep rising, the Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC) is worth considering. 

The post Best and worst case scenarios this week for global equities: Expert appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

From its all-time high of 9,202 points in late February, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell over 900 points — a decline of more than 9% — to a low point of 8,262 in March. The trigger was a surge in global oil prices tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the uncertainty it injected into energy markets, household budgets, and central bank policy.

It was uncomfortable. It was also not unusual.

What history actually shows

Market corrections feel permanent when you are living through them. The data says otherwise.

UBS examined 15 geopolitical shocks over the past fifty years and found the ASX 200 returned an average of 4%, 5%, and 11% over the following three, six, and 12 months, respectively.

Longer term, the picture is even clearer. The S&P/ASX 200 Index has compounded at more than 9% per annum over the past 10 years, including dividends. When franking credits are factored in, the total return rises to an average compounding rate of 10.6%. 

That is not a straight line. It includes crashes, corrections, pandemics, and inflation shocks. The long-run average holds anyway.

The compounding maths of a downturn

Here is the part most investors miss.

When you continue investing during a correction, every dollar buys more shares than it would have at the peak. Those extra shares then compound through the recovery and every subsequent year of growth.

At a 9% average annual return, $1,000 invested per month over 20 years compounds to approximately $670,000. Increase that to $1,200 per month — or take advantage of lower prices during a downturn to deploy additional capital — and the path to $1 million becomes achievable within the same timeframe.

The number shifts meaningfully depending on when you start and whether you stay invested. What does not change is the underlying logic: time in the market, not timing the market, is the primary driver of long-term wealth.

What to actually buy

What you buy matters. What matters even more is choosing an approach you can stick with when markets get noisy.

For some investors, that will mean keeping it simple with broad-based ETFs. Funds like the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) and iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) offer instant diversification and let investors participate in the long-term growth of hundreds of businesses through a single ASX-listed investment. That simplicity can be a real advantage during volatile periods, because a portfolio you understand is often a portfolio you are more likely to hold.

For others, building wealth through individual shares may be more appealing. The recent correction has created more attractive entry points across a range of high-quality businesses, including major technology names, software companies, and healthcare leaders that had previously traded at richer valuations. For investors willing to do the work, buying individual shares can be a way to back a smaller group of businesses with stronger conviction.

The key is not to pretend there is only one right way to invest. Investing is personal. The best portfolio is often the one that matches your temperament, your available time, and your ability to stay consistent. Whether that means broad ETFs, carefully chosen individual stocks, or a mix of both, the real goal is to build a strategy you can stick with long enough for compounding to do its job.

The Foolish takeaway

Nobody rings a bell at the bottom of a market correction. That is precisely why waiting for certainty before investing is a strategy that tends to fail.

From an index point of view, the ASX 200 has quickly rebounded from March lows. As readers will now know, it is quite common for falls to happen again, and further rebounds to new all-time highs will follow suit. 

A $1 million portfolio is not built in a single decision. It is built through consistent investing, compounding over time, and the discipline not to flinch when the market does exactly what markets do.

The post A 2026 market crash could be a once-in-a-decade chance to build a $1 million ASX portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that it isn't as hard to achieve this goal as you might think. In fact, all you really need is a combination of time, patience, and capital, and you could get there.

Here is a step-by-step way to approach it.

Step 1: Build a core portfolio

At this level, the foundation matters more than ever.

A large portion of the portfolio should be in reliable, high-quality ASX shares or broad exchange traded funds (ETFs) that can deliver consistent returns over time. These are the holdings that do the heavy lifting.

This might mean shares like Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) or ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), or ETFs like the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV).

Think of this as the engine room. It is not about chasing the highest returns. It is about creating stability and steady compounding.

Step 2: Add growth to drive progress

While the core provides stability, growth assets are what push the portfolio higher.

This is where companies with scalable models and strong tailwinds come in. Over time, these positions can outperform and meaningfully increase the overall value of the portfolio. ASX shares like WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) or Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO) could be worth considering.

The key is balance. Too much growth can increase volatility, but too little can slow progress.

Step 3: Invest consistently

One of the biggest differences between successful investors and everyone else is consistency.

Regular contributions, whether monthly or quarterly, keep the portfolio growing regardless of market conditions. This also helps smooth out entry prices and reduces the pressure of trying to time the market.

Even as the portfolio grows, continuing to add capital can have a significant impact.

Based on an average 10% annual return (not guaranteed) and investments of $500 a month, it would take just under 17 years to reach $500,000.

Step 4: Let compounding take over

At some point, the portfolio starts to work harder than your contributions.

Returns begin generating their own returns, and growth accelerates. This is where patience pays off.

Trying to interfere too much during this phase can do more harm than good. Staying invested and allowing compounding to continue is often the best approach.

Foolish takeaway

Building a $500,000 ASX portfolio does not happen overnight.

It is the result of consistent investing, smart allocation, and patience over many years. But once you reach that level, the journey becomes very different.

Because from that point on, your money is doing much more of the work.

The post How to build a $500,000 ASX share portfolio step by step appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The same trio, that combined have over $50 billion in funds under management, continues to dominate: Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), and iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV).

Together, they form the backbone of countless portfolios, and they all gained roughly 16% in value over 12 months.

But after strong market moves and shifting global conditions, do these 3 ASX ETFs still deserve a place in your portfolio?

Let's take a closer look.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

This Vanguard fund remains the king of the ASX ETF market, with around $24.2 billion in funds under management. It gives investors exposure to roughly 300 of Australia's largest companies, offering low fees, high liquidity, and a steady stream of franked dividends.

Its biggest holdings tell the story. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) sit at the top, reflecting the heavy influence of banks and miners on the local market.

That's both a strength and a weakness. You get reliable income and exposure to Australia's economic engine, but also concentration risk. When banks or commodities wobble, this Vanguard ASX ETF feels it.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF

Then there's Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF, with around $14.4 billion under management.

This is the classic "set-and-forget" global ASX ETF. It spreads your investment across developed markets like the US, Europe, and Japan, helping reduce the home bias that many Australian investors naturally have.

At its core are global giants like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Alphabet Inc.(NASDAQ: GOOG). These companies sit at the centre of innovation in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.

That's the appeal. Instead of relying on local banks or commodity cycles, you tap into global growth across multiple sectors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF

Rounding out the trio is the iShares fund, with just over $12.3 billion in funds under management.

This ETF is the purest way to own the US market through the ASX. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving exposure to America's blue chips.

And once again, the top holdings dominate. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft lead the charge, highlighting the heavy tilt towards mega-cap tech.

That concentration has been a tailwind in recent years, but it also means performance is closely tied to a handful of giants.

Foolish Takeaway

So, do these 3 ASX ETFs still deserve a place? For most long-term investors, the answer is yes.

Each ETF plays a distinct role. VAS delivers income and franking benefits. VGS provides broad global diversification. IVV adds concentrated exposure to the world's most powerful market.

The real question isn't whether to own them. It's how to balance them.

Because when combined thoughtfully, this trio still forms one of the strongest core portfolio foundations on the ASX. It's built for income, growth, and long-term resilience.

The post The biggest ASX ETFs revealed – are they still buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The key is choosing funds that do the hard work for you.

But which ones offer this?

Let's take a look at three ASX ETFs that could be great options for beginner investors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that beginners might want to consider is the hugely popular iShares S&P 500 ETF.

If you are not sure where to start, this ETF offers a very simple answer. It gives you access to 500 of the largest companies in the United States.

Instead of worrying about which company will perform best, you are backing many of the biggest and most established businesses in the world all at once.

Its holdings include well-known companies like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA).

For beginners, the appeal is clarity. You are investing in a market that has delivered strong long-term returns without needing to overthink the decision.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth a look is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

It takes a slightly different approach. Rather than owning everything, it focuses on fairly valued companies that have wide economic moats. In simple terms, these are businesses that are hard for competitors to disrupt.

Think of brands, platforms, or companies with strong advantages that help them stay ahead. Its holdings currently include names such as Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

For beginners, this ASX ETF introduces an important idea. Not all companies are equal. Some have built-in strengths that could help them perform better over time.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

A third ASX ETF that could be a great fit for beginners is the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This fund focuses on companies that score highly on measures like profitability, balance sheet strength, and earnings stability.

Instead of chasing the fastest-growing companies, it looks for those that are doing things well consistently. Its holdings currently include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Visa (NYSE: V), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

This makes it a useful option for beginners who want exposure to global shares but with a tilt toward reliability. It was recently recommended by the team at BetaShares.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETFs that are beginner-friendly appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And it is. But what surprises many investors is that the hardest part is not growing from $100,000 to $200,000. It is getting to that first $100,000 in the first place.

The good news is that with the right approach, you can achieve this lofty goal.

Focus on momentum

One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is waiting for the perfect time to start.

They watch the market, read the news, and hesitate. But building an ASX share portfolio is less about timing and more about momentum.

Getting money invested and keeping it invested is what really matters. Even if your first few decisions are not perfect, taking action is what sets everything in motion.

Build around a few strong ASX share ideas

You do not need dozens of ASX shares to get started.

In fact, starting with a handful of high-quality businesses or a couple of ETFs like the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) or Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) can be a smarter approach. This keeps your portfolio manageable and allows you to focus on what you own.

The goal early on is not necessarily diversification for its own sake. It is exposure to growth.

As your portfolio grows, you can expand and refine it over time.

Make consistency your advantage

The real driver of reaching $100,000 is consistency.

Regular contributions, even small ones, can make a big difference. Whether it is $200, $300, $500, or more each month, adding to your portfolio steadily builds momentum.

This also helps remove the pressure of trying to time the market. You are investing through all conditions, which smooths out your average entry price.

For example, $500 a month into ASX shares would turn into $100,000 in 10 years with an average annual return of 10%. However, it is worth remembering that no return is ever guaranteed.

Reinvest and stay patient

In the early stages, every dollar matters. Dividends should be reinvested, not spent. Gains should be left to compound. This is how your portfolio starts to accelerate.

At first, progress can feel slow. But over time, compounding begins to take over, and growth becomes more noticeable.

Patience is what allows this process to work.

Avoid the big setbacks

Building wealth is not just about what you gain. It is also about what you avoid losing.

Chasing hype, overtrading, or reacting emotionally to market swings can set you back significantly. Staying disciplined and sticking to a plan is often more important than trying to maximise returns.

It is also worth remembering that once you reach $100,000, the game changes.

At that point, market returns start to contribute more meaningfully to your portfolio. Growth begins to feel easier because your money is doing more of the work.

Foolish takeaway

None of the above happens without getting started and staying consistent.

That first $100,000 may seem like a long way off. But with the right habits, it can arrive sooner than you think.

The post How to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It includes the 200 largest Australian companies based on market capitalisation.

The index is also market-cap weighted, meaning bigger companies have more influence on the index's movement

In simple terms: it shows how the top slice of the Australian stock market is performing overall.

Here in Australia, it has a strong weighting towards big banks and mining companies, which make up most of the largest companies. 

Investors often monitor the performance of this index to see how their portfolio compares. 

Many Aussie investors also compare the ASX 200 Index to the benchmark index in the US – the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX). 

The S&P 500 tracks the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States.

Unlike the ASX 200, it is weighted heavily towards technology giants like Apple and consumer discretionary stocks like Amazon. 

How do you invest in these markets?

The simplest way for investors to gain exposure to these markets is through ASX ETFs.

If you are looking to track the performance of the ASX 200, two options to consider are: 

• iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ)
• BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

Meanwhile, for exposure to the S&P 500, investors may consider: 

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (ASX: SPY)

There are also several alternatives to these ASX ETFs that may provide a slightly different focus for investors to consider. 

For example, investors looking for slightly more diversification in the Australian market could consider the Global X Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300). 

As the name suggests, it includes the 300 largest companies rather than the traditional 200. 

Focusing on the US, another popular investment is in the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). 

This index is often referred to as representing the new economy – including 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq in the US. 

My colleague Grace Alvino explains why investors may target this fund instead of the traditional S&P 500 in her article from this morning. 

It's also important to note that investors do not have to decide between one or the other.

Many investors choose to include both US and Australian focused funds in their portfolio.

Which is performing better this year?

So far in 2026, the ASX 200 has increased by approximately 2.7%. 

Considering a fall of 9% during March, it has shown resilience to geopolitical volatility this year. 

Meanwhile in the US, the S&P 500 has increased 1.59%. 

Finally, the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) is currently tracking somewhere in between the two, rising 2.5% year to date. 

The post Has the ASX 200 or S&P 500 been a better investment this year? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

If I were starting with $10,000 today, I would focus on building a simple, well-rounded portfolio that I could hold with confidence and continue adding to over time.

Here is how I would approach it.

Start with a strong foundation

The first step for me would be building a core with broad market exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

I would start with the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), which provides exposure to a large portion of the local market and includes many of the ASX's biggest and most established companies. It also offers a steady stream of dividend income, which I think is valuable for a beginner.

Alongside that, I would add the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV). This ETF gives exposure to the largest companies in the United States and allows me to participate in global growth trends, particularly in areas like technology and healthcare.

Together, these two ETFs would give me a solid base across both Australian and international markets.

Add quality ASX blue chip shares

Once the foundation is in place, I would look to add a few high-quality ASX shares that I would feel comfortable holding through different market conditions.

One of those would be Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA). It is not always cheap, but I think its strong market position and consistent profitability make it a reliable long-term holding.

I would also include Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). It is a diversified business with exposure to retail and industrial segments, and it has a track record of making disciplined decisions that support long-term growth.

To balance things further, I would add CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL). It provides exposure to global healthcare and long-term growth trends, which helps ensure the portfolio is not overly reliant on the Australian economy.

Include a growth tilt

With the core and blue chips in place, I would still want some exposure to higher-growth opportunities.

For that, I would include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO). It operates in cloud-based accounting software and continues to expand internationally, which I think gives it a long runway for growth.

I would also add WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), which develops logistics software used across global supply chains. Its platform is deeply embedded in customer operations, which can support recurring revenue and long-term growth.

How I would think about the allocation

If I were dividing up the $10,000, I would keep things relatively simple and focus on balance rather than exact percentages.

I would want a meaningful portion in ETFs to provide diversification and reduce risk, while also allocating a solid amount to high-quality ASX shares that can deliver stability and income over time.

At the same time, I would still include a smaller allocation to growth companies, which may be more volatile but could help drive returns over the long term.

Foolish takeaway

If I had $10,000 to invest as a beginner, I would focus on building a portfolio that is diversified, easy to understand, and capable of growing over time.

By combining ETFs like the VAS and IVV ETFs with quality ASX shares such as CBA, Wesfarmers, and CSL, and adding growth names like Xero and WiseTech, I think it is possible to create a strong starting point.

From there, the most important step is continuing to invest consistently and giving those investments time to grow.

The post How I would build the ultimate beginner portfolio with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

IVV ETF has been a popular choice among investors seeking exposure to the roaring US stock market over the past three years.

IVV is now the third largest ASX ETF out of more than 400 on the market, with more than $11.67 billion invested in it.

However, last month, IVV ETF recorded the highest investment outflows, indicating an exodus amid the Iran war.

Aussie investors took $461 million out of the exchange-traded fund (ETF) in March, based on ASX data analysed by Betashares.

However, investors have not given up on US shares, with $232 million flowing into IVV ETF's currency-hedged counterpart in March.

That's the iShares S&P 500 AUD Hedged ETF (ASX: IHVV), which is up 1.62% to $62.68 per unit today.

This indicates investors still want US exposure but are mindful of the weaker USD against the stronger AUD today.

Stronger Aussie dollar weakens IVV ETF returns

The Australian dollar has risen almost 20% from just over 60 US cents 12 months ago to a three-year high of 70.8 US cents today.

As James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec, explains:

When the Australian dollar strengthens, your international ETF returns shrink, and if the Australian dollar weakens, your returns improve.

To put that into perspective: last year, the S&P 500 delivered total returns of 17.88%, but IVV ETF investors received just 10.75%.

The US dollar has weakened due to expectations of interest rate cuts, concerns over the impact of tariffs, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Meanwhile, the AUD has strengthened given Australia has entered a tightening rate cycle, with two rate hikes so far in 2026.

There is also strong demand for our commodities, which foreign buyers purchase with Australian dollars, amid a new mining boom.

Investors prefer IHVV over IVV today because hedged ETFs reduce the impact of currency movements on investments. 

Gruber explained:

For example, you may invest in an ETF that tracks the S&P 500 index. If it is unhedged and if the Australian dollar strengthens after you buy it, your returns in AUD may drop, even if the underlying investments do well in their home currency. 

Conversely, if the Australian dollar declines, the value of an unhedged ETF may rise in AUD terms, assuming the underlying asset holds or increases in value.

Gruber points out that currency-hedged ETFs typically cost more than unhedged ETFs.

Case in point: IHVV has management fee of 0.1% while IVV has a fee of 0.03%.

US shares vs. ASX 200 in 2026

The S&P 500 has substantially outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past three years.

But change is afoot this year.

So far in 2026, the S&P 500 has lifted 0.6% while ASX 200 shares have increased 2.9%.

Gruber points out that a key difference between the two benchmark indices is their exposure to technology companies.

That's significant because a global tech wreck is underway, as investors fret over the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Illustrating the difference, the IVV ETF is 34% tech stocks, while the ASX 200 has just a 3% exposure to technology.

Gruber said:

… the S&P 500 leans heavily on technology stocks. 

If you add the likes of Amazon and Tesla – classified as consumer discretionary stocks in the S&P – and Meta and Alphabet – included in the communications sector – to the technology sector, then tech accounts for more than 40% of the S&P 500 index. 

The post Why ASX investors dumped IVV ETF last month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Rising oil and gas prices rattled investors, raising concerns about the impact on the businesses they were invested in.

We are starting to see that impact, with Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN) doubling its jet fuel cost estimates for 2H FY26 today.

Fortescue Ltd (ASX: FMG) chair Dr Andrew Forrest has also revealed they paid up to double for emergency fuel supplies last month.

With all this in mind, it's interesting to look at how Aussie investors repositioned their ASX ETF portfolios as the conflict unfolded.

Aussies have $329 billion invested in ASX ETFs, and last month they ploughed an additional $5.6 billion into their favoured funds.

That makes March the third-highest month for net inflows ever. It seems the volatility caused by the war did not dampen their interest.

A new report from Betashares, which shows the top 10 ASX ETFs for inflows and outflows last month, reveals some interesting trends.

Let's take a look.

Top 10 ASX ETFs for inflows last month

Top 10 ETFs for outflows

How ASX ETFs investors repositioned last month

The VAS ETF is the most popular Australian shares ETF on the market, so it's no surprise to see it take out the top spot.

VGS is the most popular international shares ETF, so it's routine to see it close to the top as well.

The presence of IHVV in the top inflows list, and its unhedged counterpart IVV ETF in the top outflows, shows investors are mindful of currency changes over the past 12 months.

The Australian dollar has risen from just over 60 US cents 12 months ago to a three-year high of 70.8 US cents today.

As James Gruber, Equity Market Strategist at CommSec, points out:

When the Australian dollar strengthens, your international ETF returns shrink, and if the Australian dollar weakens, your returns improve.

Outflows from QAU ETF reflect profit-taking amid a 21% decline in the gold price over the first three weeks of March.

Sprott Managing Partner, Paul Wong, said investors need not be worried though.

Wong added:

Gold's March drop reflects a liquidity crunch, not a breakdown in its long-term role. 

As financial stress builds, gold is likely to reassert itself as a key monetary anchor.

Another interesting trend is the inflows into non-US international ETFs, reflecting the poorer performance of US markets this year.

In the year to date, the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) has lifted just 0.6% compared to a 3% bump for the ASX 200.

The post How ASX ETF investors repositioned as the Iran war shook markets appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

There are certain ASX dividend shares and ASX growth shares I've invested in that I'm very optimistic about.

But, there are a few ASX ETFs that I believe can help fill some investment exposure gaps that some Aussie portfolios, including mine, may have when aiming for (or during) retirement.

So, let's dive in.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX:  MOAT)

It'd be understandable for investors to have a lot of exposure to ASX shares and perhaps to an ASX ETF that gives significant allocation to large US shares, such as with the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

But, there are plenty of other high-quality businesses in the US – the home of numerous compelling companies – that are worth owning.

The MOAT ETF typically has around 50 holdings (it currently has 57). They're all US-listed businesses, though the underlying earnings are more diversified.

There are some great businesses below the tech giant group in size which have very powerful economic moats, which are also called competitive advantages. An economic moat is what helps a business generate revenue/profit and fend off rivals, with examples such as intellectual property, cost advantages and plenty of others.

The MOAT ETF wants to find businesses that have economic moats that are expected to endure for at least 20 years, which means those businesses have a very attractive, long-term future. In turn, this makes the ASX ETF itself a great option to own for the long-term.

Additionally, the ASX ETF only invests in these great businesses when the price is attractive.

In the ten years to March 2026, it had returned an average of 14.7% per year. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, but that level of return is powerful to help build towards a great nest egg.

WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ)

The WCMQ ETF is another option that I think plenty of Australians would benefit from owning.

It invests in a portfolio of global shares that have a couple of key features that California-based fund manager WCM believes can help deliver investment (out) performance.

First, the fund wants to find businesses that have strengthening economic moats. It's the 'direction' of the moat that's more important to the WCM investment team than the size of that moat. A business with improving competitive advantages can become increasingly profitable.

The second element of the investment strategy is to invest in businesses that have a corporate culture that fosters an improvement of the competitive advantages.

The WCMQ ETF has retuned an average of 15.1% per year since inception in August 2018, which is a great level of return, though that's not guaranteed to continue in the next several years.

One of the advantages of this fund is that it aims to pay a distribution yield of at least 5%, so it's able to give investors good passive income. I think some investors may be missing an international shares option that pays a good dividend yield.

The post I'm planning to buy loads of these ASX ETFs for my retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some Australians may want to find funds that are weighted towards businesses with strong capital growth potential. Other investors may want to own investments that provide a pleasing level of passive income.

There are advantages (and disadvantages) to each type of ETF strategy, so I think it's wise to look at both ideas.

Capital growth

The power of compounding can help capital growth deliver very pleasing wealth-building over time.

Capital growth would suggest that the businesses involved are growing revenue/profit at a useful speed to help send the share price higher over time.

I don't think investors can go too far wrong with an international-focused ASX ETF that provides pleasing exposure to high-quality, growing businesses such as Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) and iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV).

But, I'm a big believer in the idea that higher-quality businesses will outperform average businesses over the long-term, particularly when the market/economy goes through a rough patch.

I like the following international-focused ETFs because of how they build a portfolio based on quality attributes: Global X S&P World Ex Australia GARP ETF (ASX: GARP), VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL), Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT).

I believe the four options above are great to consider for building wealth and they can also be great options for Australians looking to invest in retirement.

For starters, a retiree may still have decades ahead that their portfolio needs to last, so capital growth is a useful feature.

Secondly, when in retirement, Australians can unlock income by selling a portion of their investment holding each year. For example, if they have $100,000 in an ASX ETF, they could sell $4,000 to unlock a 4% cash flow 'yield'. Its long-term capital growth may be strong enough for the portfolio/ETF value to outpace the sales.

For example, if a $100,000 investment grows in value by 10% over a year it becomes $110,000 and a sale of $4,000 would mean $106,000 remaining for the next year. That's a combination of capital growth of $4,000 of income to spend.

ASX ETFs that provide dividends

Some retirees may not want to sell anything. Instead, their preference may be just to hold an investment and receive passive income from it.

A lot of internationally-focused ASX ETFs don't have a large dividend yield because the underlying shares don't have a large yield either, meaning there's not much income for the ETF to pass on.

Some people may like the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY) because it invests in high-yielding ASX shares, enabling it to give investors a lot of passive income. However, the compound earnings growth of the businesses in this fund are typically low, so I'm not a huge fan.

That's why I like ASX ETFs that have a pleasing targeted distribution yield while still providing investors with a good dividend yield.

One of my favourite ideas in this space is WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ), which targets a distribution yield of 5%. Growth of the fund's net asset value (NAV) can unlock distribution growth for investors.

The post Which ASX ETFs I'd buy for retirement investing appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For investors who want diversification, growth potential, and simplicity, ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can offer a simple and effective way to gain exposure to different parts of the market.

With that in mind, here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for a buy and hold strategy.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

The first ASX ETF to look at is Betashares Australian Quality ETF.

This fund focuses on high-quality Australian companies with strong balance sheets, consistent earnings, and high returns on equity.

Its holdings include names such as CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). These tend to be dominant businesses with strong competitive advantages and the ability to compound earnings over time.

By targeting quality, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF aims to build a portfolio that can perform well across different market environments. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF that could be a top pick is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

This popular fund provides investors with exposure to a broad basket of global companies across developed markets.

Among its largest holdings are Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN).

Overall, this ETF offers a straightforward way to invest in global leaders across a wide range of industries without needing to select individual stocks.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

A third ASX ETF that investors could consider is the equally popular iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund tracks the famous S&P 500 index and provides exposure to some of the most influential companies in the global economy.

Key holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Google parent Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL).

These businesses sit at the centre of major long-term trends such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, electric vehicles, and digital advertising.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

The fourth ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

This ETF focuses on companies generating revenue from the development and manufacturing of military and defence equipment, as well as defence technology,

Its holdings include Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), and BAE Systems plc (LSE: BA).

With geopolitical tensions remaining elevated, this sector could continue to see strong demand over the next five years.

This fund was recently recommended to investors by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

A fifth and final ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

This fund provides investors with exposure to the growing global gaming and esports industry.

Top holdings include Nintendo, Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), and Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700).

Gaming continues to expand globally, supported by digital distribution, mobile platforms, and evolving business models such as in-game purchases. This bodes well for the holdings in this fund.

It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 5 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for five years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In years gone by, there were only a handful of index funds available to Australian investors, making the choice, if one had decided to go down the index fund road, easy. However, that is not really the case today. If you are searching for index funds on the ASX, there are now an overwhelming number of options one could go for. This situation, whilst good for the discerning investor, can make life tricky for those just wanting a set-and-forget strategy.

With that in mind, today, let's go through three ASX index funds that I think amount to the best choices our market has to offer a passive investor in 2026.

Three top ASX index funds for passive investing in 2026 and beyond

First up, we have the BetaShares Australia 300 ETF (ASX: A300). This ASX index fund tracks the largest 300 stocks listed on the Australian share market. That includes everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

Like most index funds (and the other two we'll discuss in a moment), this fund is weighted by market capitalisation. That means the larger the company, the larger its slice of the index fund pie.

Full disclosure, I own an S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) fund, but it's not A300. This fund only launched in August of last year, and I have held the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) for many years. But A300 would be my choice for new investors, simply because it charges a lower management fee of 0.04% per annum.

Our next fund worth considering is the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV). This fund is similar in nature to A300. However, instead of holding the ASX's 300 largest stocks, it holds the 500 largest companies in the American markets. That includes big tech titans like Nvidia, Tesla, Amazon, and Microsoft, as well as other American companies such as ExxonMobil, Coca-Cola, Walmart, and General Motors.

I think most ASX investors will benefit from expanding their portfolios beyond Australia's borders, and IVV holds many of the world's best companies. It also charges a management fee of 0.04% per annum.

Last but not least

Finally, investors may wish to consider the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). As its name implies, this ASX index fund represents access to a number of international stock markets. That includes the US, but also Britain, Canada, Japan, Spain, Israel, Singapore, and many others. In addition to IVV's top holdings (which VGS largely shares), this fund's portfolio includes stocks such as Nestle, Toyota, AstraZeneca, and Shell.

If you wanted a US-centric index fund that also grants exposure to a diversified supplementation of advanced economies' markets, VGS is a fabulous option to consider. This ETF charges a management fee of 0.18% per annum.

The post What are the ASX's top 3 index funds for passive investing? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.