This is pushing global benchmarks into the green recently. 

The S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) recovered more than 1% overnight. Today, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has opened with strong momentum.

Since the end of March, both indexes have rallied, with Australia's benchmark up more than 6% and the S&P 500 rising more than 8%. 

While it's impossible to predict what will happen in the Middle East, one possibility is we have already hit the bottom of the current cycle. 

If this is the case, it may be time to buy low on ASX ETFs that are yet to fully bounce back from yearly lows. 

Here are three ASX ETFs to consider.

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

Healthcare stocks have been some of the hardest hit in 2026. 

Unsurprisingly, this ASX ETF has been heavily sold off. 

It is down more than 12% since November last year, but has slowly started to bounce back since late March. 

The fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare (Sector) Capped Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of healthcare providers, biotechnology companies and manufacturers of medical supplies, advanced medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

This fund has been around since 2001, and in the last 10 years has brought annualised returns of nearly 10% per year. 

The recent drop off could be a rare opportunity to buy low on this ASX ETF. 

Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP)

This ASX ETF seeks to track the return of the S&P/ASX 300 A-REIT Index. 

This index includes real estate companies in the retail, office, industrial and diversified sectors. 

Since inception in 2010, it has brought annualised returns of nearly 10% per year. 

However, it is currently down nearly 18% since late last year. 

This could be a rare opportunity to access exposure to the Australian real estate industry at a relative value. 

Vanguard Ethically Conscious International Shares Index Etf Fun (ASX: VESG)

This ASX ETF was first listed in 2018, since then, it has brought an average annualised return of more than 12%. 

At the time of writing, it is down almost 7% since yearly highs back in January. 

It includes more than 1,400 holdings, and is an ESG fund. 

This means it excludes companies that have a specified level of business involvement in fossil fuels, nuclear power, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, gambling, adult entertainment or weapons.

The post ASX ETFs that might never be this cheap again appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Global technology shares have suffered due to AI integration and replacement fears.

Meanwhile, healthcare has also lagged, potentially due to investors shifting into sectors with clearer near-term growth catalysts.

However, this recent weakness may now mean these sectors trade at a valuation discount to the broader market. 

If you are optimistic on the long-term growth of technology or healthcare shares, here are some ASX ETFs to consider. 

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

Technology shares are largely underrepresented in Australia compared to dominant sectors like big banks and miners.

Many Australian tech companies have endured heavy sell-offs due to fears that AI could cut into core products. 

This has led to many positive ratings from brokers, suggesting these companies have now been oversold.

The Betashares ATEC fund combines many of these Aussie tech companies into one ASX ETF. 

It provides exposure to approximately 47 leading ASX-listed companies across a range of tech-related market segments, including information technology, consumer electronics, online retail, and medical technology.

It is down 20% year to date. 

Global X Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH)

For a more global exposure to technology shares, this fund offers exposure to companies based in the United States, Europe, and Asia. 

It targets companies positioned to benefit from increased technology adoption, including those whose principal business is offering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and/or cloud and edge computing infrastructure and hardware.

The fund has fallen almost 17% year to date. 

BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: DRUG)

Global healthcare shares have also had a soft start to 2026. 

For investors looking to target a defensive sector, this ASX ETF provides exposure to the largest global healthcare companies (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars.

At the time of writing, it comprises 60 underlying holdings, which could benefit in the long term due to ageing populations, rising living standards, and ongoing medical advancements. 

These are expected to support increasing ongoing demand for healthcare products and services.

The fund is down 2.5% since the start of the year. 

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

This fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare Sector Index. 

It offers a more diversified option for global healthcare stocks.

This index is designed to measure the performance of global biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical companies and may include large, mid, or small-capitalisation stocks.

The fund has fallen more than 7% so far in 2026. 

The post ASX ETFs that target undervalued sectors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Defensive stocks are typically in specific sectors that are resilient amid economic downturn. 

With the recent conflict in the Middle East, many sectors have been heavily impacted, such as materials and financials.

As these situations develop quickly, it can be difficult to identify which companies will be directly impacted and which are suffering from a more general "risk-off" sentiment. 

In times of global conflict, investors may decide to push towards defensive shares. 

These three ASX ETFs aim to hold companies or assets that tend to remain stable during economic downturns.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

One sector often considered a defensive one is consumer staples.

Put simply, consumer staples are items people need rather than want. People will continue to buy these items regardless of their financial situation.

These are typically companies that produce everyday household goods such as food, beverages, and personal care products. 

Demand for these items remains relatively stable even when the economy weakens.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples Sector Index. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of global consumer staples companies and may include large, mid, or small-capitalisation stocks.

It includes blue-chip companies like Walmart (NYSE: WMT), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), and Nestle S.A. (XSWX: NESN). 

The fund has a strong track record, with a five-year annual return of roughly 10%. 

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

Much like consumer staples, healthcare is considered a defensive sector as access to medicine, hospital services, etc, is essential regardless of economic downturns. 

This ASX ETF from iShares is designed to measure the performance of global biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment, and pharmaceutical companies and may include large, mid, or small-capitalisation stocks.

BetaShares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Rather than targeting a particular defensive sector, this fund from Betashares includes 40 companies. 

These companies are chosen based on 'quality' metrics of high return on equity, low leverage, and relative earnings stability.

High-quality companies often perform more defensively because they tend to have stronger balance sheets and resilient earnings. 

According to Betashares, it has tended to have different sector weightings to benchmark Australian equity indices, with higher exposure to the consumer discretionary sector and lower exposure to the materials (mining) sector. 

It's important to note that this ETF focuses on Australian companies rather than global stocks. 

So far, the strategy of this fund has paid off, as it has risen almost 12% in the last year. 

The post 3 ASX ETFs with a focus on global defensive shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It makes up roughly 6% of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

By comparison, financials and materials make up more than 56%. 

This means that for investors wanting exposure to healthcare shares, looking at an international ETF can be a good option. 

A report from iShares suggests the long-term outlook is positive with policy headwinds easing.

Here are three reasons why now might be a good time to gain exposure to global healthcare shares. 

Policy headwinds easing

According to iShares, US policy uncertainty saw valuations in healthcare suppressed at near 30-year lows in 2025.

However, the policy uncertainty that hung over the sector last year has now largely resolved. 

President Trump's Most Favored Nation executive order has spurred major drug companies to negotiate deals on medication pricing, and investor focus is swinging back to the sector's strong innovation pipeline. 

This sparked outperformance in the last quarter of 2025. 

Healthcare led all global sectors in Q4 – gaining more than 10% after President Trump's Most Favored Nation executive order prompted pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer and Eli Lilly to negotiate pricing with the White House and helped to resolve uncertainty over US tariff policies.

Heavy investment

In the report from iShares, it said clear policy direction, alongside investor concerns regarding a possible technology sector bubble in the United States, prompted significant movement into healthcare investments toward the end of last year. 

In November 2025, ETFs targeting this sector experienced their largest monthly global inflows in five years, attracting US$6.8 billion across the industry. 

With clarity now emerging for what has recently been an unloved sector, we see an opportunity for investors to refocus on the positive fundamentals and long-term supportive trends that may propel healthcare forward in 2026.

Despite gaining momentum, iShares believes the sector is still undervalued.

With healthcare valuations still looking cheap relative to global equities – trading at around a 13% discount despite the recent performance surge – now may be the time for investors to consider adding more exposure to the sector.

AI buildout and defensive safety

While some sectors are being threatened by AI takeover, healthcare shares are being positively impacted by AI.

Industry experts said AI is now increasingly being used in hospitals to automate clinical notes, staffing rosters and billing, freeing up staff for more valuable tasks, and patient care. 

Additionally, AI is beginning to transform the medical research field, accelerating drug development from early studies to human trials and market launch.

The report also reinforced that, as well as offering opportunities to tap into innovation and some of the long-term 'mega forces' shaping the global economy today, healthcare exposure can provide additional benefits for those looking to build a diversified share portfolio.

How do investors gain exposure to global healthcare?

For investors looking to add this sector to their portfolio, here are three ASX ETFs to consider. 

The first is the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ). It tracks the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare Sector Index. This index includes small, mid, and large-cap biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment, and pharmaceuticals companies.

Another option is the BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: DRUG). 

It is made up of 60 of the largest global healthcare companies (outside of Australia). 

Finally, Vaneck Vectors Global Health Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) invests in 50 fundamentally sound and attractively valued companies with the best growth prospects in the healthcare sector.

The post 3 reasons to target global healthcare in 2026 -expert 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.

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

The tide is turning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerging tailwinds 

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

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

The agreement included exchanging Medicaid cost cuts for tariff relief. 

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

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

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

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

How to target global healthcare stocks

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

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

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

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

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

Investors may consider: 

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

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

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

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

This could be in the form of blue-chip shares, or an ASX ETF tracking these large Australian companies. 

However, the ASX 200 has large exposure to the financials, materials (mining and resources), and energy sectors. This makes it heavily influenced by banking, commodities, and resource-driven industries.

It's important for investors to gain exposure to overseas markets global sectors and growing trends.

Here are two ASX ETFs I would consider adding to your portfolio.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF is designed to measure the performance of global biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals companies. It includes large, mid and small-capitalisation stocks.

It has more than 1200 underlying holdings, with large exposure to US based companies. 

This fund could provide diversification into global healthcare companies, reducing reliance on the ASX 200's concentration in financials and resources. 

Many of these companies are defensive shares. This means demand for the products and services remains high even during an economic downturn when consumers reduce their overall spending.

Put simply, that's because people still need access to healthcare regardless of economic conditions. 

This is different to other sectors like consumer discretionary. Some of these companies engaged in luxury items or travel are more reliant on disposable income. 

VanEck Vectors Video Gaming And eSports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

While the previous fund is a defensive asset, the ESPO ETF may be a worthwhile investment for those looking to gain exposure to a rapidly growing sector. 

The fund gives investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of the largest and most liquid companies involved in video game development, esports and related hardware and software globally.

According to a report from VanEck, the value of digital gameplay is rising rapidly with revenue expected to reach US$188.8 billion in 2025.

The global player base is projected to increase by 4.4% to 3.6 billion people in 2025. To put that into perspective, this is more than the top three most-populated countries combined.

Once again, this theme is largely based in countries outside of Australia, allowing ASX investors to gain exposure to a growing industry based largely in the US, China and Japan. 

This ASX ETF has already climbed 121.31% since its inception in September 2020. 

The post Overexposed to the ASX 200? 2 ASX ETFs to add right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These are called megatrends — powerful structural changes that create long-term growth opportunities for businesses and investors alike.

The good news for Australian investors is that you don't need to look overseas to tap into them. The ASX offers access to a number of ETFs that are positioned to benefit from these trends.

Here are three global megatrends you can invest in right now, without leaving the local market.

Artificial intelligence and automation

From ChatGPT to self-driving cars, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly moving from science fiction to everyday reality. Automation, powered by AI, is also transforming industries from logistics to healthcare.

One ASX ETF that targets this trend is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ). It provides exposure to companies developing cutting-edge AI applications, robotics systems, and automation technologies. Holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), a leader in AI chips, and Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), which makes robotic surgery systems.

With AI adoption expected to accelerate for decades, this megatrend offers investors a rare blend of innovation and scale.

The rise of Asia's middle class

Asia is home to a fast-growing consumer base, with hundreds of millions of people moving into the middle class. This is boosting demand for everything from technology and financial services to travel and premium goods.

Investors can tap into this trend through the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA), which includes giants like TSMC (NYSE: TSM), Meituan (SEHK: 3690), and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD). These companies are benefiting from rapid digital adoption and increasing consumer spending in the region.

With Asia's economic growth expected to outpace many developed markets, this megatrend could be a powerful long-term driver of returns.

Global healthcare innovation

An ageing population, rising healthcare spending, and advances in medical technology are fuelling a boom in healthcare innovation. From biotechnology to medical devices and digital health, this trend is only getting stronger.

Australian investors can gain access via the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ). Its holdings include Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), AbbVie Inc (NYSE: ABBV), and locally listed ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD). These are companies at the forefront of treating chronic diseases, improving patient outcomes, and delivering cutting-edge medical products.

Healthcare demand tends to be resilient across economic cycles, making this megatrend an attractive option for defensive growth.

The post 3 global megatrends you can invest in through the ASX 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%.

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

Recent trends have seen big returns in sectors like tech and financials. 

If you were exposed to these sectors before the last couple of years, you would likely be sitting pretty today. 

One important piece of data I am aware of, is Australia's ageing population. 

Looking ahead

Data from the Australian Bureau of statistics shows in 2020, there were an estimated 4.2 million older Australians (aged 65 and over) – comprising 16% of the total Australian population. 

In the next 30 years, this number is projected to increase to more than 20%. 

Essentially, one in five Australians will be over the age of 65. 

Why is that the case?

Firstly, advances in healthcare, medical technology, and living standards mean Australians are living longer. 

Secondly, the baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964) is progressively reaching retirement age.

As this large demographic group moves into the 65+ age bracket, it significantly increases the overall percentage of older Australians.

What does this mean for investors?

When we project this data for the long term, it makes me aware of the enormous demand for several key sectors in the decades ahead. 

One key area that is set to benefit is the healthcare sector. As we age, the demand for healthcare services increases. 

Some key ASX listed stocks that could be set to benefit include: 

• CSL Ltd (CSL): Global leader in blood plasma, vaccines, and biotherapies.
• Cochlear Ltd (COH): Implants for hearing loss, common in older adults.
• ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD): Sleep apnea devices, increasingly used by ageing populations.
• Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC): Operates private hospitals across Australia and globally.
• Healius Ltd (ASX: HLS) and Sonic Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SHL) Pathology and diagnostic services.

Other key companies to monitor are those in the pharmaceuticals & biotechnology space, aged care & retirement living and wealth management. 

These areas all play an important role in caring for older Australians.

Which ASX ETFs give exposure to these sectors?

While these individual stocks may have plenty of upside, there are thematic ASX ETFs that combine hundreds of these options into one fund. 

An ageing population is not a unique problem only here in Australia.

In fact, the World Health Organisation recently revealed life expectancy at birth reached 73.3 years in 2024, an increase of 8.4 years since 1995.

The number of people aged 60 and older worldwide is projected to increase from 1.1 billion in 2023 to 1.4 billion by 2030.

Global X S&P Biotech ETF (ASX: CURE)

This fund seeks to invest in companies that potentially stand to benefit from further advances in the field of genomic science, such as companies involved in gene editing, genomic sequencing, genetic medicine/therapy, computational genomics, and biotechnology.

It is made up of roughly 124 holdings, with no individual company representing more than 3.3% of the fund.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

The index is designed to measure the performance of global biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals companies and may include large, mid or small-capitalisation stocks.

Its largest holdings include Eli Lilly, Johnson and Johnson and ABBVIE Inc.

It also includes a small exposure to Australian companies in this sector. 

BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF – Currency Hedged (ASX: DRUG)

DRUG WTF aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that comprises the largest global healthcare companies (ex-Australia), hedged into Australian dollars. 

At the time of writing it provides access to 59 of the world's leading healthcare companies, such as Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Roche, in one trade.

The post The long game: ASX ETFs to target amidst an ageing population appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

According to the final distributions schedule, iShares will pay investors next Friday, 11 July.

A distribution reinvestment plan (DRP) is available for all iShares ETFs.

iShares has also announced the DRP prices for this next round of distributions. We have included those amounts below.

It's payday for IVV ETF investors and others

Here is a summary of the dividend amounts that people invested in this selection of iShares ETFs will receive on 11 July.

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.

Here are some more ASX ETFs…

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.

The post Own IVV ETF or other iShares ASX ETFs? Next dividends and DRP prices revealed… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While it is worth remembering that no investment is entirely risk-free, some sectors tend to be more resilient during downturns.

Two such sectors are consumer staples and healthcare, which are areas that people rely on regardless of economic conditions.

For Australian investors looking to add defensive exposure, two ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be worth considering. Let's take a closer look at them:

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Consumer staples are the everyday essentials—things like food, beverages, household products, and personal care items. These are the goods that people continue buying no matter what's happening in the economy, making them one of the most defensive sectors.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF provides exposure to some of the world's biggest and most reliable consumer brands, including Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Unilever. These companies have strong pricing power, meaning they can pass on cost increases to consumers without significantly impacting demand.

During economic downturns, discretionary spending on luxury goods and travel often declines, but people still have to buy toothpaste, groceries, and cleaning products. This makes the consumer staples sector a relatively stable performer when markets are struggling.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

Another sector that tends to hold up well during downturns is healthcare. No matter the state of the economy, people still require medical treatments, prescription drugs, and healthcare services.

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF gives investors exposure to some of the world's largest and most innovative healthcare companies.

Its holdings include Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, UnitedHealth Group, and Johnson & Johnson. Local players CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Ramsay Health Care Ltd (ASX: RHC) are also held by the fund.

One of the key advantages of healthcare stocks is their long-term growth potential. The global population is ageing, and demand for medical treatments, pharmaceuticals, and biotech innovations continues to rise. This structural growth, combined with the defensive nature of the industry, could make healthcare a great sector to own during both bull and bear markets.

Foolish Takeaway

Market downturns can be somewhat unnerving for investors, but they also present opportunities to strengthen portfolios with defensive assets.

And while these ASX ETFs won't necessarily shoot higher during a downturn, their ability to hold value and recover quickly makes them attractive options for investors seeking stability in uncertain times.

The post These 2 ASX ETFs should outperform during a market downturn appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For many people, weight loss is far more than a cosmetic goal—it can feel like a deeply personal and ongoing challenge tied to confidence, health, and overall quality of life.

When the struggle has lasted for years, it's understandable that some individuals are willing to explore every possible avenue, from prescription medications to structured meal planning and lifestyle changes.

In the middle of that journey, the guidance of JM Nutrition can play an important role, as working with a qualified dietitian often brings a more balanced, long-term perspective that goes beyond quick fixes.

In some cases, dietitians may even support a broader medical strategy by discussing whether physician-prescribed weight loss medications could complement nutritional counselling, helping people pursue safer and more sustainable results.

Drugs like Ozempic have taken the world by storm and resulted in massive profits for drug stock makers like Novo Nordisk. As such, it's only natural for ASX investors to want a slice of the action.

And some significant action there is. According to exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider BetaShares, investment bank Morgan Stanley estimates that the global market for obesity drugs like Ozempic could reach US$77 billion by 2030.

However, the ASX is not exactly known for its pharmaceutical stocks. Sure, we have a few respectable names on our ASX boards. But the real global titans in this space – think the likes of Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilley, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson – are all international stocks with either primary or secondary listings on the US markets.

Australian investors can always buy these shares directly from the US markets if they want exposure to these companies. But many ASX investors aren't comfortable with this option.

Luckily, there's an easy, ASX-based alternative – investing in ASX ETFs.

The ASX is home to hundreds of different exchange-traded funds. A few of these specialise in global healthcare and pharmaceutical companies and would make for an easy way for ASX investors to get a slice of the action.

How to use ASX ETFs to buy US weight loss drug stocks

One such fund is from BetaShares itself – the BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: DRUG). This ETF invests in a portfolio of the world's leading healthcare companies, hedged into Australian dollars to take out the impacts of foreign exchange movements.

DRUG holds around 60 different pharmaceutical and healthcare stocks, mostly listed on the US markets. If you buy DRUG units, you're top two holdings in the underlying portfolio will be none other than Eli Lilley and Novo Nordisk. Eli Lilley currently makes up 8.5% of DRUG's weighted portfolio, with Novo Nordisk coming in at 7.1%.

As such, this is a very simple choice for any ASX investors seeking access to these stocks.

But DRUG isn't the only choice for ASX investors looking for weight loss drug exposure. There's also the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ).

This ETF operates similarly to DRUG in offering a portfolio of the largest global healthcare and pharmaceutical stocks to ASX investors.

IXJ also currently has Eli Lilley and Novo Nordisk as its largest holdings, with portfolio weightings of 9.31% and 5.95%, respectively.

VanEck Global Healthcare Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) is another option to consider. It has a slightly different composition, with stocks like Tenet Healthcare and United Therapeutics Corp occupying the top spots. However, Eli Lilley and Novo Nordisk are still there, with portfolio weighting of 2.51% and 2.46%, respectively.

Being sector-specific ETFs, these funds aren't the cheapest on the ASX. DRUG charges an annual management fee of 0.57%, for example. IXJ asks 0.41% per annum, while HLTH will set you back 0.45% per annum.

But that's the price you'll have to pay if you want easy ASX access to US weight loss drugs and their manufacturers on the Australian stock market.

The post How to invest in US weight loss drug stocks on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The four ETFs we covered last week were as follows:

• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS)
• VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)
• BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

This Tuesday, two of those four ETFs have clocked even higher record highs. Those are the VanEck Wide Moat ETF, which hit $127.42 this afternoon. As well as the iShares S&P 500 ETF, which reached up to $52.59 a unit soon after.

These two funds have also been joined in the 'all-time high club' today by:

• VanEck Gold Bullion ETF (ASX: NUGG) at a new high of $32.41 per unit
• Global X Seminconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) at $17.18
• BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ) at $14.90
• iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ) at $140.60
• iShares MSCI Japan ETF (ASX: IJP) at $108.25
• Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) at $122.88
• VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) at $54.42

Plus many others.

Are these record-high ASX ETFs still a buy?

ETF investors who have money ready to plough into the share market might be feeling some apprehension at investing in any of these funds at new record highs today. And understandably so. After all, we're often told that successful investing involves 'buying low, selling high', not the other way around.

So how does an investor handle this prickly problem?

Well, I think it depends on the ETF in question. For funds that track a commodity or a cyclical sector (for example, NUGG or perhaps SEMI), buying at new record highs might not be a prudent move.

Looking at the gold price, for instance, over long periods of time will tell you that new highs are often followed by periods of weakness.

If you want exposure to something like gold in your portfolio, I think it's best to load up when other investors are sending the price down, rather than up.

But what about other ETFs?

Time in the market or timing the market?

I don't think investors who want to buy into a fund like the VanEck Wide Moat ETF, the Vanguard International Shares ETF or the iShares Japan ETF should be dissuaded from investing today based on these record highs.

These ETFs are designed to enable investment into compounding assets that should, reasonably consistently, increase in value over time. Whether they do or not is a different matter.

But in an ideal world, an investor wants to see as many new record highs as possible from an ETF of this nature. So avoiding one of these funds because it is at a record high might mean you miss out on the next one.

But you won't even have to worry about these sorts of issues if you use a dollar-cost averaging strategy.

I think this is the best way for most investors to invest in ASX ETFs. It involves buying a fund that you like consistently, regardless of what its unit price is doing.

That way, you can take the stress out of buying at moments like this, safe in the knowledge that you've bought for better prices in the past, but still might benefit from future highs.

The post Are these record-breaking ASX ETFs now too expensive to buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Several ASX ETFs have hit new 52-week highs amid the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) rising 0.5%.

Let's check out eight of these outperformers today.

ASX ETFs hitting new 52-week highs today

Vanguard Msci Index International Shares Etf (ASX: VGS)

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is up 0.70% to $118.76 at the time of writing. This ETF has bounced 22.8% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $118.99.

This popular ETF provides access to 1,500 of the world's largest listed companies from 23 countries, excluding Australia. Among its largest holdings are Apple, Visa, and Eli Lilly and Co.

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) is up 1.15% to $41.25. This ASX tech ETF has risen 45.7% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $41.31.

This ASX ETF buys you into the world's best tech companies, including Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Nvidia.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF is up 0.81% to $50.97. This ASX index ETF has risen 27.7% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $51.06.

The world's greatest investor, Warren Buffett, famously said the best strategy for amateur investors to generate wealth through shares was to consistently buy an S&P 500 low-cost index fund.

Buffett said:

I think it's the thing that makes the most sense practically all of the time. Keep buying it through thick and thin, and especially through thin.

Among the 500 companies included in this ETF are Amazon, Apple, Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, and Tesla.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

The VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is up 1.12% to $52.35. This ASX ETF has risen 36.5% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $52.43.

QUAL was among the top-performing ETFs of 2023. Its concept is simple: invest in the world's highest-quality companies based on key metrics such as high return on equity (ROE) and low debt. The fund holds about 300 companies, and three-quarters are US stocks.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF is up 0.86% to $28.26. This ETF has risen 32.1% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $28.35.

This ASX ETF has the same concept as the one above. It chooses companies based on four metrics – return on equity (ROE), debt to capital, cash flow generation, and earnings stability. Two-thirds of the fund's companies are US stocks. The others are from countries like Japan, the Netherlands and France.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF is up 0.17% to $12. This tech ETF has risen 44.1% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $12.06.

The HACK ETF gives ASX investors exposure to the rapidly growing global cybersecurity sector. Among its holdings are industry giants Accenture, Cisco, and Crowdstrike.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth INDEX ETF (ASX: VDHG)

The Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF is up 0.86% to $62.04. This ETF has risen 9.1% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $62.11.

This ETF offers diversification in a pretty extreme way. You get exposure to about 16,000 ASX shares and international shares all in one transaction, for a single brokerage fee. The VDHG holds seven Vanguard index funds comprising 90% global and ASX stocks, and 10% bonds.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF AUD (ASX: IXJ)

The iShares Global Healthcare ETF is up 0.44% to $137.81. This healthcare ETF has risen 14.6% higher over the past 12 months. Its 52-week high today was $138.11.

The IXJ ETF is among the 6 global sector ETFs that delivered the best returns over the past five years. It tracks the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare Sector Index, so it has exposure to general healthcare stocks, biotechs, medical equipment suppliers, and big pharma. Its holdings include CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC), Astra Zeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Moderna.

In other news…

Several individual stocks are hitting 52-week highs today, including Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares which reached $24.40 today.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) shares hit a new 52-week peak at $16.55, and Nextdc Ltd (ASX: NXT) reached $14.55.

Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) shares hit a two-year high of $6.19 ahead of the company's half-yearly report next week. Analysts expect IAG to almost double its dividend in 2024.

The post 8 popular ASX ETFs smashing new 52-week highs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As such, this drug's potential benefits have already had a big impact on the ASX, with companies that potentially compete with its applications, such as ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) and CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), recently being sold off.

As such, many ASX investors might be hoping to invest in Ozempic. Or more specifically, in Novo Nordisk A/S (CPH: NOVO-B)(NYSE: NVO) shares. Novo Nordisk is the pharmaceutical company that produces Ozempic.

But there's a problem for ASX investors. Novo Nordisk shares are nowhere to be found on the ASX.

The company is Danish in origin. So it will come as no surprise to hear that Novo Nordisk's primary public listing is on the Nasdaq Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Most ASX investors don't even have access to this stock market, with only a handful of select brokerage firms offering access.

However, Novo Nordisk does have a secondary listing on the US markets. Specifically on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). So ASX investors with the desire and access to invest in US shares can buy Novo Nordisk stock under the ticker code 'NYSE: NVO' if they so wish.

Want to buy this popular US stock? Try an ASX healthcare ETF

But there is another way to invest in this exciting opportunity on the ASX. It's by using exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Now since Novo Nordisk shares can be found on the NYSE, one would be forgiven for assuming that a simple US index fund might do the job.

But sadly, Novo Nordisk shares aren't a constituent of either the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) or the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). Those are two of the most popular US index funds listed on the ASX, but neither holds this company.

But don't despair. There are still ASX ETFs that will allow one to indirectly invest in the Ozempic producer. ASX healthcare ETFs, to be precise.

As we covered back in September, the VanEck Global Healthcare Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) is one such fund. Holding 51 healthcare stocks from around the world, this ETF is designed to allow ASX investors access to a range of healthcare companies that aren't listed in Australia. As of 1 November, Novo Nordisk was one such company, commanding a portfolio weighting in HLTH's portfolio of 2.17%.

The BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: DRUG) is another similar fund with 69 underlying holdings. However, Novo Nordisk's holdings within DRUG are more than double that of HLTH, with a weighting here of 5.7%.

Finally, let's talk about the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ). This fund operates on a larger scale than those other two healthcare ETFs, with approximately 115 holdings. Despite this, IXJ still offers ASX investors a 4.78% weighted exposure to the Ozempic maker's shares in the portfolio.

So if you're desperate to invest in Ozempic through its maker Novo Nordisk, there are certainly a few options on the ASX to consider today. Even if you don't wish to buy the US or Danish-listed shares directly.

The post How can ASX investors buy the US stock the WHOLE world is talking about? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

By comparison, there are almost 100 fewer ETFs or funds based on Australian equities (156 in total).

There has been an explosion in the number of ASX ETFs on the market in recent years as investors embrace the opportunity to buy into a fund online via their usual trading platform.

In one trade, you can gain exposure to a basket of shares for just one brokerage fee. Easy.

But what type of ETF do you want to buy?

In this article, we're going to narrow our focus to sector-based ASX ETFs that invest in global shares.

The pros and cons of sector-based investing

The benefit of sector-based investing is you can invest in one type of industry that you understand well, or perhaps one that is serving an emerging long-term need in the economy, like cybersecurity.

The risk is you may encounter sector-specific headwinds that can affect your portfolio's performance. (Imagine owning an ETF full of travel shares in early 2020.)

You can spread your risk by investing in global equities ASX ETFs instead of just ASX shares ETFs.

This way, you'll gain exposure to more companies and achieve some geographical diversification. This is very handy because it reduces the impact of government decisions on your investment portfolio.

An example is new taxes, such as the Minerals Resource Rent Tax introduced in Australia in 2012.

So, which global sectors are attractive options?

This is what we seek to uncover in this article by showing you the best-performing sector-based global equities ASX ETFs over the past five years.

The top 6 global sector ASX ETFs over 5 years

Of course, past performance is no guarantee of future performance. But this data gives us an insight into the sectors that are hot right now and delivering consistently higher returns than other sectors.

This data has been published by the ASX this month and incorporates the five years to 31 August 2023.

Here are the top six sector-based global equities ASX ETFs over the past five years:

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC) returned an average of 17.66% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends, which have historically averaged a yield of 3.53%.

Global X Morningstar Global Technology ETF (ASX: TECH) returned an average of 13.63% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends, which have historically averaged 0.48%.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK) returned an average of 13.25% per annum. This ASX ETF does not pay dividends.

VanEck Gold Miners ETF AUD (ASX: GDX) returned an average of 12.96% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends, which have historically averaged 2.03%.

Betashares Global Gold Miners ETF-Currency Hedged (ASX: MNRS) returned an average of 12.88% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends, which have historically averaged 1.01%.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF AUD (ASX: IXJ) returned an average of 10.73% per annum. This includes reinvested dividends, which have historically averaged 1.28%.

Can you see the trends?

As you can see from our list, the best-performing sector-based ASX ETFs are those reflecting current trends and macroeconomics.

Let's review.

At the top of the list, we have a battery technology and lithium ETF. This reflects the world's transition to clean energy and the creation of a brand-new industry in electric vehicles powered by lithium batteries.

Tech stocks are strong performers because of the world's continuous technological advancement.

Cybersecurity risk has been a challenge that has come along with it, raising demand for security systems.

Investing in gold is a traditional safe haven strategy during times of economic upheaval.

Healthcare stocks are seen as defensive shares, which historically have performed better than other shares during high inflation and cost of living challenges.

More about the No. 1 ETF

The ACDC ETF provides an opportunity to invest in the global economic thematic of energy transition.

It holds 32 Australian and international shares representing the entire lithium cycle. That means it's not just full of lithium mining shares; it's also got electric car manufacturers and battery makers in the mix.

The top five holdings are Tesla Inc 6.02%, Nissan Motor Co Ltd 4.51%, Panasonic Holdings Corp 4.36%, EnerSys 4.25%, and Renault SA 4.21%.

Examples of Australian mining shares held within the ACDC ASX ETF are Allkem Ltd (ASX: AKE), Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS), Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN), and Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO).

ACDC ASX ETF is an actively managed fund with an annual management fee of 0.69%.

The post Which global sector ASX ETFs have delivered the best returns over 5 years? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Three top ETFs that you may want to look deeper into are listed below. Here's what you need to know about them:

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

If you're looking to gain exposure to the growing Asian economy, then the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could be worth considering. This ETF gives investors access to a number of the most promising tech shares in the Asian market. These are the Apples, Googles, and Amazons of the Asia market. Among its holdings you'll find Alibaba, JD.com, Baidu, and Tencent.

BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

Due to the ongoing shift to the cloud, companies with exposure to cloud computing look well-placed for growth. This could make the BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF a good option for investors looking to gain access to this theme. This popular ETF aims to track the performance of the Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index, which includes leading global companies involved in all aspects of the cloud computing market. This includes companies such as Dropbox, Netflix, Shopify, and Zoom.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

Finally, investors that are interested in gaining exposure to the healthcare sector might want to look at the iShares Global Healthcare ETF. This ETF aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Global 1200 Healthcare Sector Index, before fees and expenses. This index has been designed to measure the performance of global biotechnology, healthcare, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals companies. This includes local healthcare giants CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) and Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC), and global players such as Astra Zeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Novartis, Pfizer, and Sanofi.

The post 3 fantastic ETFs for ASX investors today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This means an investor can home in on certain areas of the investment world that they're particularly bullish on.

With that in mind, listed below are three ETFs that could be worth getting better acquainted with. Here's what you need to know about them:

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF could be worth looking at if you have an interest in cryptocurrencies. BetaShares notes that this ETF allows investors to access the growth potential of the crypto economy through companies at the forefront of the industry. Among the companies included in the fund are crypto trading platforms, crypto mining and mining equipment firms, and others servicing crypto-markets. This includes Coinbase, Silvergate, and Riot Blockchain.

Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF (ASX: ETHI)

Another ETF for ASX investors to look at is the Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders ETF. This ETF gives investors exposure to large global stocks that have been identified as "Climate Leaders." BetaShares notes that these companies have passed screens that check for direct or significant exposure to fossil fuels. It even checks for those that are engaged in activities deemed inconsistent with responsible investment considerations. Included in the fund are the likes of Apple, Nvidia, Toyota, and Visa.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ)

A final ETF to look at is the iShares Global Healthcare ETF. As its name implies, this ETF provides investors with exposure to the healthcare sector. This includes the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and medical device sectors. Among its holdings are many of the world's biggest and best healthcare companies such as Australia's own CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, and Pfizer. These companies look well-placed to benefit from favourable industry trends such as ageing populations.

The post 3 popular ETFs for ASX investors today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.