I would also want exposure to themes that can stay important for years, rather than funds built only around short-term market excitement.

Three Betashares ETFs I would consider are named in this article.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ETF I would buy is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund gives investors exposure to many of the largest companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. That means it has a strong tilt toward technology, digital platforms, software, semiconductors, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and consumer internet businesses.

I like the NDQ ETF because it owns the companies that are shaping how the world works, shops, communicates, advertises, automates, and stores data.

There are risks. The Nasdaq can be volatile, and many of its biggest holdings can trade on high expectations. But if I were investing with a long-term mindset, I would want some exposure to this group of stocks.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

The second ETF I would consider is the Betashares Australian Quality ETF.

I like this fund because it takes a more selective approach to the Australian share market.

Instead of simply buying the largest companies, the AQLT ETF focuses on Australian businesses with quality characteristics. That can include strong profitability, balance sheet strength, and earnings stability.

I think that is useful because the local market can be uneven. Some Australian shares are highly cyclical, some rely heavily on commodity prices, and some are more exposed to interest rates or credit cycles.

A quality filter can help investors focus on businesses with stronger financial foundations.

I think this ETF could work well alongside a global growth fund because it adds local exposure without simply copying a broad ASX index. It may still hold familiar Australian names, but the strategy is built around quality rather than size alone.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

The third ETF I would buy is the Betashares Global Defence ETF.

I like ARMR because it gives investors a way to access the defence theme without relying on one contractor, one product cycle, or one government contract.

That is useful because defence is a broad market. It can include aircraft systems, shipbuilding, surveillance technology, missiles, electronics, cybersecurity, communications, and battlefield software. The winners may not all come from the same part of the industry.

There are clear risks. Defence spending can be political, valuations can rise quickly when the theme becomes popular, and some investors may not be comfortable with the sector. But for those who are, I think ARMR gives a cleaner way to invest in the theme than trying to pick a single ASX defence stock.

Foolish Takeaway

If I were investing $2,500 into Betashares ETFs, I would focus on funds that give exposure to durable long-term trends.

I like the idea of combining broad global growth, quality Australian companies, and a theme that governments may keep prioritising over time. That mix would not suit every investor, and thematic ETFs can be volatile.

But for someone looking to put money to work across different sources of long-term growth, I think these three Betashares ETFs could be compelling options.

The post 3 Betashares ETFs that I'd buy with $2,500 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

When we let a great company carry out its plans, we give it the best chance of delivering great profit growth. Compounding is a powerful force, as long as we let it run its course without prematurely interrupting.

I'm going to highlight two ASX shares that could significantly outperform the market over the next decade (or longer). Let's get into it.

Siteminder Ltd (ASX: SDR)

Siteminder is a leading ASX tech share that provides software for hotels to manage operations and maximise revenue.

The business is winning thousands of new hotels as subscribers each year, and recently it's targeting larger hotels, which can generate more revenue for Siteminder.

It aims to increase its annual recurring revenue (ARR) by 30% per year, an incredible rate of growth. I don't know whether it'll be able to continue growing at that pace for the entire next decade, but I think it's being dramatically underrated by the market.

The company is rolling out its smart platform, helping subscribers connect with distribution platforms, analyse their performance and room demand, and even manage room prices. This helps unlock more revenue per subscriber when they sign up for those modules.

Siteminder's growing scale is improving its operating leverage, boosting profit margins and strengthening its bottom line.

I believe the ASX share will significantly outperform the ASX share market in the coming years, making the current value look very attractive.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

This is a leading exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ, a US stock exchange.

It's rare to find a portfolio of this high-quality and deliver such strong returns.

I think it's great for Australians to have exposure to incredible businesses like Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Micron Technology, Amazon.com and Advanced Micro Devices. Many of the businesses involved are driving change in how we live.

These companies (and the rest of the ETF's 100 holdings) are among the best in the world at what they do, with market-leading products and services, enabling them to win an enormous customer base, achieve strong profit margins, maintain a strong balance sheet, and still have plenty of growth prospects.

The NDQ ETF portfolio holdings are leaders in areas such as AI, smartphones, computer software, online shopping, online video, cloud computing, driverless vehicles, and much more.

I don't know what the future returns of this fund will be, but the ASX ETF has performed extremely strongly for Aussies. It delivered an average annual return of 21% over the last decade. It's definitely one to look at during market volatility.

These aren't the only two ASX shares I'd be excited to own for the next decade, though.

The post 2 top ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The good news is that this can be more than enough to start building an investment portfolio with ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Listed below are five ASX ETFs that beginners could choose from, depending on the type of exposure they want.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund gives investors exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, but excluding Japan. That can include businesses involved in semiconductors, ecommerce, digital payments, online platforms, and hardware.

It is a higher-risk option than a broad market fund because it focuses on one region and one sector. But for beginners who want exposure to Asian technology growth, this ASX ETF could be a great place to start.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF that beginners could consider is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has become an essential part of modern life. Businesses, governments, and individuals all need protection as more activity moves online.

This fund gives investors exposure to global companies working in areas such as threat detection, network security, identity protection, and cloud security.

It is a thematic ETF, so it can be more volatile than a broad index fund. But the long-term demand for cybersecurity services appears unlikely to disappear.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to look at is the hugely popular Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund provides exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange. Many of them are global leaders in technology, online retail, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital services.

For beginners, this can be a simple way to invest in some of the world's most influential growth companies through one ASX trade. This includes NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Another option for beginners to look at is the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF.

This fund invests in global companies that sell everyday products such as food, beverages, household items, and personal care goods.

These businesses may not grow as quickly as technology companies, but demand for their products can be more stable. That can make this ASX ETF useful for investors wanting global exposure with a more defensive tilt.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

A final ASX ETF for beginners to consider is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

It gives investors broad exposure to developed markets outside Australia. It holds companies across the United States, Europe, Japan, and other major markets.

For beginners, this can be one of the simplest ways to diversify globally. It will still rise and fall with share markets, but it spreads money across many countries, sectors, and companies in a single investment.

The post 5 ASX ETFs for beginners with $500 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

SpaceX begins trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SPCX, priced at US$135 per share implying a valuation of approximately US$1.75 trillion.

That surpasses Saudi Aramco's 2019 listing as the largest IPO in stock market history.

Australian investors cannot buy SPCX directly on the ASX.

But two ASX-listed stocks are already moving in direct response to today's listing, and both deserve consideration from ASX investors.

Why the SpaceX IPO matters for ASX investors

SpaceX is not just a rocket company.

It's Starlink connectivity segment generated US$11.4 billion in revenue in 2025, delivering US$4.4 billion in operating income. This represents year-on-year growth of 49.8% and 120.4% respectively.

Starlink serves 10.3 million subscribers across 164 countries as at 31 March 2026, up from just 2.3 million in 2023.

The IPO validates the commercial space economy for ASX investors.

Near-term index mechanics add a further dimension to the story. SpaceX is expected to be fast-tracked into the Nasdaq-100 as early as 15 trading days post-listing.

This would force index-tracking funds to buy SpaceX mechanically and generate an estimated US$22 billion to US$27 billion in additional buying pressure across index trackers.

That wave of forced buying will keep the space economy in the spotlight for weeks.

Betashares Space Industry ETF (ASX: RCKT)

The Betashares Space Industry ETF is the most direct ASX play on today's listing.

Betashares Space Industry ETF tracks the Solactive Space Industry Index, holding 28 companies across the global space economy with Rocket Lab and AST SpaceMobile as its two largest positions.

Betashares Space Industry ETF launched on the ASX on 12 May 2026 at $14 per unit and has had a wild ride as SpaceX IPO anticipation built throughout May and June.

SpaceX will need to meet index inclusion criteria before Betashares Space Industry ETF can formally hold SpaceX, a process that typically takes several months.

In the meantime, Betashares Space Industry ETF remains the most liquid and accessible ASX way to participate in today's historic event.

The underlying Solactive Space Industry Index returned 249% over the twelve months to 31 May 2026.

Electro Optic Systems Holdings Ltd (ASX: EOS)

Electro Optic Systems offers a different and more direct angle on the SpaceX story.

The company operates a dedicated Space Systems division that provides laser tracking and communications technology for satellite operators globally.

SpaceX has filed applications to deploy up to 42,000 Starlink satellites in total. This means that the constellation will require increasingly sophisticated ground-based tracking and communications infrastructure as the satellite count grows.

Electro Optic Systems is one of the very few companies in the world capable of providing that precision ground infrastructure.

Electro Optic Systems chair Garry Hounsell confirmed at the AGM that 60% to 80% of its $726 million order book is expected to convert to revenue in 2026 and 2027. This has removed the execution uncertainty that had previously weighed on the stock.

The index inclusion wildcard

One of the most underappreciated dimensions of today's SpaceX listing is its potential impact on the Nasdaq-100.

If SpaceX is included, every fund tracking the Nasdaq-100, including the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), would need to buy SpaceX shares mechanically.

Nsdaq 100 ETF is one of the most widely held ASX ETFs among Australian retail investors, meaning holders of Nasdaq 100 could gain indirect SpaceX exposure without doing anything at all.

Foolish takeaway

The SpaceX IPO will be live today.

However, Australian investors cannot buy SpaceX on the ASX today. Yet Betashares Space Industry ETF and Electro Optic Systems each offer a distinct way to participate in the moment that commercial space investing went mainstream.

For long-term investors who believe the space economy has decades of growth ahead, both deserve serious attention.

The post SpaceX starts trading today. Here's what ASX investors need to know appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That is where exchange traded funds (ETFs) can help.

In a single ASX trade, investors can gain exposure to global technology leaders, Asian digital giants, or high-quality international companies with strong financial profiles.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund allows investors to own a slice of the companies building the modern digital economy. Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT).

Microsoft is a good example of why this fund remains so relevant. The company is no longer just about Windows and Office. It now sits across cloud computing, enterprise software, cybersecurity, gaming, workplace productivity, and artificial intelligence.

Its products are deeply embedded in businesses around the world, which gives it a powerful position as companies keep digitising their operations.

This ETF can be volatile because it is heavily exposed to technology and growth shares. But for investors wanting access to global businesses that are shaping how people work, communicate, consume media, and use AI, it offers a simple route into the Nasdaq's biggest names.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could appeal to investors looking for global winners is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund focuses on leading technology and online retail companies across Asia excluding Japan. Its holdings include SK Hynix (NYSE: JNSB), Samsung Electronics (FRA: SSU), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM).

SK Hynix is a particularly interesting holding. The South Korean memory giant has become increasingly important as demand grows for high-performance memory used in artificial intelligence, data centres, and advanced computing.

That gives the fund a different flavour from many US-focused technology ETFs. It is not only about software platforms and digital advertising. It also provides exposure to the hardware, semiconductors, and supply chains that support the next wave of global technology growth.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

A third ASX ETF to look at is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

This fund takes a different approach. Rather than simply buying the biggest global companies, it focuses on international shares that boast quality characteristics such as strong profitability, low leverage, and resilient earnings.

Its holdings include Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ: CDNS), Airbus (ETR: AIR), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

Cadence is a useful example of the type of company this fund can hold. It provides electronic design automation software used by semiconductor and electronics companies to design complex chips and systems.

As chips become more advanced, the software used to design them becomes increasingly important. That gives Cadence exposure to long-term growth in areas such as artificial intelligence, automotive technology, cloud infrastructure, and connected devices.

Overall, this focus on financially strong global businesses could potentially make it a top option for investors wanting international exposure with a quality filter.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for investors who want global winners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Being able to invest in a single transaction and get exposure to a wide range of businesses is very compelling, in my opinion.

But, there are so many options, which one to buy? I think it depends on an investor's goals.

Simple ASX ETF investing

For investors who just want a very simple investment strategy that can help grow wealth passively in the background without needing to monitor it. There are plenty of possible ASX ETFs.

Aussies can get the return of the share market for very little cost by choosing one of the cheapest ones.

I really like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) because it invests in more than 1,000 businesses worldwide. Over time, global businesses are collectively growing profits, supporting long-term share price growth.

Over the past 10 years, the VGS has returned an average of 13.5% per year. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, of course, but it has been an excellent long-term investment.

High-quality

Some investors may not want to own thousands of businesses across the global share market. What about just investing in the best ones?

There are a variety of options that aim to invest in the highest-quality businesses. One of my favourites is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL) – it invests in 300 of the highest-quality global businesses, as measured by quality metrics.

High-quality businesses can perform better during downturns and over the long term. In the last decade, it has returned an average of 14.6% per year.

Technology

Over the last 20 years, tech businesses have been some of the strongest-performing investments. With the current trajectory of many large tech companies and their strong profit margins, investors may want targeted exposure to the exciting sector.

One of the best options for a tech allocation, in my opinion, is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) – that's 100 of the biggest tech businesses listed in the US.

It's important to remember that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Having said that, it has returned an average of 19.2% per year in the past five years.

Passive investing

ASX ETFs can be an excellent way for investors to unlock passive income. Many funds don't have high dividend yields because the underlying businesses themselves don't have much dividend yield.

But some funds deliberately target higher-yielding businesses, while some ASX ETFs can provide a pleasing dividend yield.  

The WCM Quality Global Growth Fund (ASX: WCMQ) invests in a high-quality portfolio of global shares with strengthening economic moats and corporate cultures that support those competitive advantages. The fund aims to deliver a 5% distribution yield to investors.

One of the ASX's most appealing options for passive income is Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY). It looks to invest in just the higher-yielding ASX shares.

In my view, a good ASX ETF is a great investment, though it is not the only effective investment.

The post Which ASX ETF should I buy? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Which country? Which sector? Which stock?

The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can make that first step much easier. They allow beginners to buy a basket of shares in one trade, spread risk across multiple companies, and build exposure to long-term trends without needing to follow every market move.

Here are three excellent ASX ETFs that could be worth buying now.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF that could be a top option for beginners is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund provides access to 100 of the most influential companies listed on the Nasdaq. Holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

The interesting part is how many parts of modern life these companies touch. Devices, streaming, cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), digital advertising, software, and ecommerce all sit inside the fund in different ways.

It is also worth noting that SpaceX is expected to join the Nasdaq later this month after completing a blockbuster US$1.75 trillion IPO. It would add another major innovation story to the Nasdaq 100 if and when it joins.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

A second ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This fund is about machines becoming smarter, faster, and more useful. Holdings include Keyence Corp, ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), and Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG).

The theme is broader than humanoid robots or AI chatbots. It includes factory automation, surgical systems, sensors, industrial controls, and the technology helping businesses reduce errors and lift productivity.

That makes the fund a simple way for beginners to access automation without trying to pick which robotics company will win. It was recently recommended to investors by the team at Betashares.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

A final ASX ETF that could be worth a look for beginners is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

This fund takes its inspiration from a simple investing idea: some companies are harder to compete with than others.

It focuses on US companies that have sustainable competitive advantages and are trading at attractive valuations. These advantages can come from brands, switching costs, patents, scale, or network effects.

For beginners, this fund can provide a useful lesson. Good investing is not just about chasing fast growth. It can also be about owning businesses with staying power at sensible prices.

The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs for beginners to buy now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Unfortunately for investors, 2026 is shaping up to be a down year. 

At the time of writing, Australia's benchmark index is sitting almost in the same position as the start of the year. 

Why international diversification matters 

While the Australian share market has delivered strong long-term returns, it makes up only a small portion of the global share market.

That means investors who only own ASX shares are missing out on many of the world's largest and fastest-growing companies. 

International diversification can help reduce reliance on the performance of Australian banks, miners, and energy companies, while providing exposure to global leaders in sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer brands, and artificial intelligence. 

It can also smooth portfolio returns when the local market is struggling, as different economies and industries often perform well at different times.

With the ASX 200 treading water in 2026, adding international ETFs could be a simple way for investors to access new growth opportunities and build a more resilient portfolio.

Here are three ideal options to diversify away from Australian equities. 

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

This ASX ETF is one of the most popular funds for Australian investors and one of the largest by market cap. 

The fund aims to track the performance of the Nasdaq 100 Index. 

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

With its strong focus on technology, NDQ provides diversified exposure to a high-growth potential sector that is under-represented in the Australian sharemarket.

It could be an ideal choice for investors looking to access the dynamic tech sector in the US. 

The fund has risen more than 12% year to date. 

Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This ASX ETF from Vanguard is another popular choice amongst investors looking to target international stocks. 

It includes roughly 1,300 companies from developed countries, excluding Australia.

The fund provides exposure to many of the world's largest companies listed in major developed countries. 

It has provided annual returns of over 10% for the last 5 years. 

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

Another option for investors looking to diversify away from Australian and US stocks is this fund from Vanguard. 

The ETF provides exposure to many of the world's largest companies listed in major developed and emerging countries outside the US.

It offers instant diversification with over 3,000 equities in a single trade. 

Over the last 5 years, it has provided annualised returns of approximately 10%. 

The post 3 ASX ETFs to diversify away from a flat Aussie market appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They make investing easy, by removing the need to pick stocks and providing high levels of diversification.

But which ASX ETFs could be buys in June? Let's take a look at three that I think could be worth considering. They are as follows:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund gives investors exposure to a group of companies that are deeply embedded in modern life. Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

What makes the fund interesting is how many different profit pools it touches. Devices, streaming, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), digital advertising, software, ecommerce, and semiconductors are all represented in different ways.

That gives the fund more depth than a simple technology ETF label suggests. Some holdings are building the infrastructure behind AI. Others are monetising attention, entertainment, productivity, or digital ecosystems.

The fund can be volatile, particularly when investors become nervous about growth valuations. But over the long term, it offers a simple way to own many of the companies shaping how people live, work, shop, and communicate.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

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

This fund is built around a disciplined idea. It looks for global companies that have lasting competitive advantages and are trading at attractive valuations.

Its holdings change periodically but currently include Novo Nordisk (CPH: NOVO B), Thales (FRA: CSF), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).

These businesses are not all exposed to the same trend. One is tied to global healthcare demand, another to defence and aerospace technology, and another to one of the world's most recognised consumer brands.

That variety is useful. The fund is not trying to make one big macro call. It is searching across global markets for companies that may be hard for competitors to dislodge, whether because of brand strength, intellectual property, scale, switching costs, or specialist expertise.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

The digital economy has created a permanent security problem. Every cloud migration, online payment, remote worker, connected device, and AI tool increases the number of systems that need protection.

This fund gives investors exposure to companies trying to solve that problem. Holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT).

Cybersecurity spending is not just about avoiding inconvenience. For many businesses and governments, it is about protecting customer data, critical infrastructure, operations, and reputation.

The fund may still rise and fall with sentiment toward growth shares. But the underlying need for better digital defence looks unlikely to fade, which could make this ASX ETF a compelling long-term option.

The post Why NDQ and these ASX ETFs could be buys in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a useful way to invest in major global trends without having to choose a single winner. That can be especially helpful in fast-moving sectors where leadership can change quickly.

Here are three incredible ASX ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund gives Australian investors exposure to the technology companies powering Asia's digital economy. But the story is not just online shopping or social media.

Asia is home to some of the world's most important semiconductor, hardware, ecommerce, and internet platform businesses. Many sit inside the supply chains and consumer ecosystems that support artificial intelligence, mobile payments, cloud computing, gaming, and digital advertising.

Current holdings include SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM).

The fund can be volatile, particularly because sentiment toward Asian technology shares can shift quickly. But it gives investors access to a part of the global technology market that is very different from the US-heavy exposure many already own. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Another ASX ETF that could be a buy in June is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity is becoming less like a technology upgrade and more like a permanent business cost. Every company moving workloads to the cloud, storing customer data, using artificial intelligence, or accepting digital payments has more to defend.

This fund provides exposure to companies building the tools that sit behind that defence. Its holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT).

What makes this area interesting is that cyber threats do not stand still. As attacks become more sophisticated, businesses and governments need to keep upgrading their protection.

That creates a long-term demand backdrop for security software, network protection, cloud security, and identity management. The fund will still move with growth-stock sentiment, but the need it serves is unlikely to fade.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund provides exposure to many of the companies shaping how people work, shop, communicate, advertise, create, and consume entertainment.

Current holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL).

What makes the fund powerful is the breadth of profit pools it touches. Artificial intelligence is one part of the story, but so are cloud infrastructure, digital advertising, software, ecommerce, semiconductors, and consumer platforms.

This bodes well for the ETF over the next decade, which could make it a great buy and hold pick.

The post 3 incredible ASX ETFs for Australian investors in June appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But for beginners, a simple buy and hold approach could be a very sensible place to start.

Instead of trying to time the market, investors can focus on owning quality exchange traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to strong long-term trends.

This reduces the pressure to pick individual winners and allows investors to benefit from the power of compounding.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the long term.

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

The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF could be a good option for beginners wanting exposure to the local tech sector.

Australia may not be as famous for technology as the United States, but the ASX is home to some impressive software, payments, online marketplace, and digital infrastructure businesses.

This ETF brings many of these companies together in a single fund. This means investors can gain exposure to the sector without needing to decide which individual technology share will perform best.

That could be useful because local tech shares can be volatile. Earnings expectations, interest rates, and investor sentiment can all move prices around. But over the long run, the digitisation of business and consumer activity remains a powerful tailwind.

For beginners, the Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a straightforward way to back Australian innovation without putting all their faith in one company. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

Another ASX ETF that could work well for beginners is the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF.

This fund focuses on global companies with strong free cash flow generation. That is a valuable quality because cash flow gives businesses options. They can reinvest in growth, pay dividends, reduce debt, make acquisitions, or return capital to shareholders.

This fund is not about chasing the most exciting theme of the moment. Its strategy is based on finding financially strong businesses that are generating real cash.

That could make it a useful building block for investors who want global exposure with a quality filter. It may also provide some balance alongside more growth-focused ETFs.

Rather than trying to analyse company accounts one by one, the Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF does the screening and delivers a portfolio of global businesses with attractive cash flow characteristics. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is one of the most popular growth-focused ETFs on the ASX, and it is easy to see why.

It gives investors exposure to many of the companies driving change across the global economy. These businesses are involved in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, semiconductors, streaming, ecommerce, and software.

What makes this fund interesting for beginners is that it provides access to these trends in one trade. Investors do not need to guess which mega-cap technology company will win next. The fund spreads exposure across a group of major Nasdaq-listed businesses.

It will not be smooth sailing every year. Growth-heavy ETFs can fall sharply when markets turn cautious. But for investors with a long-term mindset, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers a simple way to participate in some of the world's most important innovation stories.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETF for beginners to buy and hold appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

There are now plenty of exchange traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to global markets, major technology trends, and high-quality international businesses with a single trade.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF remains one of the most straightforward ways for ASX investors to gain exposure to some of the world's leading growth companies.

Rather than focusing on one narrow theme, this fund gives investors access to a broad group of major Nasdaq-listed businesses across technology, communication platforms, consumer services, and healthcare.

That could be important because many of the biggest long-term winners in global markets have come from companies that can scale quickly, reinvest heavily, and expand across borders.

Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, ecommerce, software, and semiconductors are all represented in different ways inside the fund. This gives investors exposure to several powerful growth drivers without needing to pick a single winner.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF can be volatile, particularly when investors become more cautious on growth shares. But for those willing to accept the ups and downs, it offers a simple way to access many of the businesses shaping the global economy.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Another ASX ETF worth watching is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF.

This fund focuses on global companies with quality characteristics. That typically means businesses with strong balance sheets, high profitability, and the ability to generate consistent returns through different market conditions.

This approach can make sense for long-term investors. Quality companies often have the financial strength to keep investing when conditions are tougher, defend their market positions, and compound earnings over time.

The Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is not about chasing the most speculative parts of the market. Instead, it gives investors exposure to a diversified basket of established global businesses that have already proven their resilience. This includes NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), L'Oreal (FRA: LOR), and Hermes International (FRA: HMI).

That does not mean it will avoid market weakness. Global share markets can still fall, and quality companies can become expensive when investors crowd into them. But over the long run, a disciplined focus on financially strong businesses can be a powerful investment style.

For investors wanting international exposure with a quality tilt, it could be a useful ETF to keep on the radar.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

A third ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This ETF gives investors exposure to some of the leading technology companies across Asia. That includes businesses involved in ecommerce, digital payments, online entertainment, semiconductors, and internet platforms. Examples are Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU), Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).

Asia remains home to some of the world's most dynamic digital economies. And rising incomes, large populations, mobile-first consumers, and ongoing investment in technology infrastructure can all support long-term growth.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is more concentrated than a broad global ETF, so investors should expect higher volatility. Regulatory shifts, currency movements, and changing sentiment toward Asian technology shares can all have a meaningful impact.

Even so, the fund offers access to a part of the global technology market that ASX investors may otherwise have limited exposure to. For those comfortable with the risks, this fund provides a targeted way to tap into the region's digital growth story.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that could help investors tap into global growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Fortunately, two exchange-traded funds give Australian investors direct access to global technology and artificial intelligence megatrends without needing an international brokerage account.

Both have delivered outstanding returns in recent times, and the momentum behind them show no sign of slowing.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) is one of the most popular offshore tech ASX ETFs available to Australian investors, and for good reason.

The fund tracks the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq exchange.

This gives investors exposure to names such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms in a single ASX trade.

Today NDQ trades at all-time highs, reflecting the extraordinary momentum that has built behind AI-driven earnings growth across its top holdings.

Over the past five years, the fund has more than doubled in unit price terms, compounding at a rate that has comfortably outpaced the ASX 200 over the same period.

The index rebalances quarterly and reconstitutes annually each December.

This ensures that investors are always aligned with the most relevant and largest technology companies in the world.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ) offers a more targeted exposure to the AI megatrend.

The ETF focuses specifically on companies involved in the production and use of robotics and artificial intelligence products and services.

RBTZ holds 60 companies globally, tracking the Indxx Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Thematic Index, with top holdings including Nvidia, ABB, Keyence Corp, Fanuc Corporation, and Intuitive Surgical.

The fund is well diversified across industrial automation giants, semiconductor leaders, and healthcare robotics companies.

This also serves to demonstrate the breadth of the AI and robotics opportunity beyond just software and consumer tech.

In contrast to NDQ's concentration in US large caps, RBTZ draws approximately 50% of its exposure from Asian industrials and robotics companies, including Japanese precision engineering firms that are essential suppliers to the global AI buildout.

RBTZ also benefits from the broader industrial automation wave that is accelerating as labour costs rise and manufacturers invest in AI-driven production systems.

The fund charges an annual management fee of 0.57% and distributed an annual dividend.

The case for going offshore

The argument for both funds rests on a simple observation: the AI buildout is a global phenomenon led by US and Asian technology companies that have few equivalents on the ASX.

Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta are collectively expected to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in AI infrastructure in 2026 alone.

This should drive earnings growth across the technology supply chain that flows directly into both NDQ and RBTZ.

Foolish takeaway

ASX ETFs NDQ and RBTZ offer Australian investors two different but complementary ways to capture the global AI and technology megatrend.

NDQ provides broad exposure to the world's dominant technology franchises, while RBTZ drills deeper into the industrial automation and robotics layer of the AI economy.

Together they represent a great offshore allocation opportunity for long-term Australian investors who believe the technology revolution has years to run.

The post Investors who looked offshore for tech exposure are being handsomely rewarded by these ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Short-term market swings become less important. What matters more is whether the fund gives exposure to businesses, regions, or industries that can keep growing through multiple cycles.

With that in mind, here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth buying and holding for the next quarter of a century.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

It gives investors exposure to many of the companies that have reshaped the modern economy. These businesses sit behind search, cloud computing, streaming, digital advertising, software, artificial intelligence, and consumer technology.

Its holdings include names such as Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).

The fund can be volatile, but for patient investors, it offers exposure to some of the strongest long-term growth engines in global markets.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Another ASX ETF that could be held for decades is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This popular fund tracks the S&P 500 index, which is widely viewed as the benchmark for the US share market.

It gives investors exposure to hundreds of large American companies across technology, healthcare, financials, industrials, consumer goods, and more. This includes Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Walmart (NASDAQ: WMT).

The strength of IVV is its breadth. Investors do not need to know which sector will dominate the next 25 years. The fund provides exposure to a large part of the US economy and naturally evolves as market leadership changes.

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

A third ASX ETF worth considering is the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF.

It gives investors exposure to global share markets outside the United States. This includes developed markets such as Europe and Japan, as well as emerging markets across Asia, Latin America, and other regions.

Its holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

This makes the ETF useful for investors who already have US exposure and want to broaden their global reach.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

Another ASX ETF with a long-term growth theme is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

Automation is likely to become more important over the next few decades as businesses look to improve productivity, reduce costs, and operate with greater precision.

This fund gives investors exposure to companies involved in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and related technologies.

Its holdings include Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Keyence (TYO: 6861), and ABB (SWX: ABBN).

If automation becomes more deeply embedded across the global economy, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF could be well placed to benefit over a long holding period.

It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

A fifth ASX ETF to look at is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

It focuses on international companies with strong quality characteristics. These can include high returns on equity, stable earnings, and low financial leverage.

That gives the fund a different role from a standard global index ETF. It is not simply buying companies because they are large. It is applying a quality filter to global markets.

Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Visa (NYSE: V), and Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY).

Over 25 years, quality can matter a lot. Companies with strong balance sheets, durable earnings, and high profitability are often better placed to reinvest, survive downturns, and keep compounding.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

The post 5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 25 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

I can understand why, and if I had $10,000 to invest today, I think the NDQ ETF would be high on my list. Here are five reasons why.

1. It gives exposure to world-class companies

The Nasdaq 100 is home to many of the companies shaping the modern economy.

That includes businesses involved in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital advertising, software, semiconductors, ecommerce, cybersecurity, and consumer technology.

For an Australian investor, that is useful.

The ASX has plenty of banks, miners, retailers, and healthcare shares. But it does not have many companies with the global scale of the leading US technology giants.

The NDQ ETF helps fill that gap.

Rather than trying to pick one winner, investors can own a basket of companies that have already built dominant positions in large global markets.

2. The AI opportunity is still early

Artificial intelligence has already created huge excitement in markets.

But I do not think the opportunity is finished.

AI is still being built into software, search, advertising, devices, cloud platforms, chips, data centres, and business workflows. That could support earnings growth for many Nasdaq 100 companies over the next decade.

There will almost certainly be periods when AI enthusiasm runs too hot. Some expectations may prove unrealistic.

But I think the bigger trend is real. This ETF gives investors a simple way to gain exposure to that trend without needing to decide which individual AI stock will win.

3. The NDQ ETF can diversify an ASX-heavy portfolio

Many Australian investors already have a lot of exposure to the local market.

That can mean heavy weightings to the big banks, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), and other resources or income-focused shares.

There is nothing wrong with that, but it can leave a portfolio very tied to Australia's economy, commodity prices, and local interest rates.

The NDQ ETF can add something different.

It provides exposure to global businesses earning money across many countries and industries. That can make a portfolio feel less dependent on the ASX doing all the work.

4. It suits long-term investors

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is not the ETF I would buy for a smooth ride.

Technology and growth shares can be volatile, especially when interest rates rise or valuations come under pressure.

But I think volatility is easier to handle when the time horizon is long.

If I were investing $10,000 into the NDQ ETF, I would be thinking in terms of five, 10, or even 20 years. Over that period, I think innovation, earnings growth, and global digital adoption could continue doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Short-term pullbacks would not surprise me. I would treat them as part of owning a growth-focused ETF.

5. It keeps things simple

One of the biggest advantages of ETFs is simplicity.

With one investment, this ETF gives investors exposure to a diversified group of major global companies.

That means there is no need to constantly decide whether to buy Microsoft, NVIDIA, Apple, Amazon.com, or another individual stock.

For many investors, that simplicity is valuable. It reduces the pressure to pick the perfect stock and allows the portfolio to benefit from a broader innovation theme.

Foolish takeaway

Overall, I would buy the NDQ ETF because it gives me exposure to some of the strongest companies in the world, many of which are tied to powerful long-term trends.

There will be setbacks. Growth shares can fall hard when sentiment changes.

But if I had $10,000 to invest for the long term, I think the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF would be a very strong candidate.

The post 5 reasons I'd buy the NDQ ETF with $10,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, there have been success stories.

Nvidia has already surged more than 1,000% in two years.

What's more, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta Platforms have each delivered extraordinary returns as AI spending accelerates.

But Australian investors may be feeling slightly left on the sidelines.

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) offers a different approach: instead of betting on a single company, it gives Australian investors exposure to 100 of the world's most powerful technology businesses in a single ASX trade.

What NDQ actually holds

NDQ tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

Its top holdings read like a who's who of the global technology landscape, including Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon, Alphabet, Micron, and Broadcom.

These companies are among the most profitable companies ever created.

Each has dominant market positions, enormous cash flows, and the financial firepower to lead the AI buildout for years to come.

Together, the top seven holdings account for the vast majority of AI-related capital expenditure globally.

A Goldman Sachs report projects that Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta would spend nearly US$500 billion on AI infrastructure in 2026

Furthermore, because the index rebalances on an annual basis, NDQ ETF automatically adjusts to reflect the market's view of which companies deserve the largest weightings.

The performance track record

NDQ's unit price has more than doubled over the past five years, reflecting the extraordinary earnings growth delivered by its underlying holdings.

Today NDQ trades near all-time highs, up approximately 25% from its 52-week low of $48.11 reached in May 2025.

In addition, the fund pays distributions twice a year, in January and July, providing a modest but growing income stream on top of the capital growth.

All of this comes at a relatively low management fee of 0.48% per annum.

This represents one of the most cost-effective ways for Australian investors to access a globally diversified technology portfolio.

The AI angle is only getting stronger

The case for NDQ is increasingly inseparable from the case for artificial intelligence.

Microsoft's Azure cloud platform, Amazon's AWS, and Alphabet's Google Cloud are the three dominant providers of AI infrastructure globally.

All three sit inside NDQ's top ten holdings.

Nvidia, the semiconductor company whose GPUs power the vast majority of AI model training and inference workloads worldwide, has become the world's most valuable company by market capitalisation and remains a core NDQ holding.

Meanwhile, Meta's AI-powered advertising platform continues to grow revenues at a double-digit pace.

Apple, too, is embedding AI across its entire product ecosystem through Apple Intelligence.

The risks worth knowing

NDQ is not without risks and investors should understand them clearly before buying.

The fund carries meaningful currency risk, as its underlying holdings are priced in US dollars.

This means that a strengthening Australian dollar will reduce investor returns in AUD terms.

Concentration risk is also real, with the top ten holdings accounting for almost 50% of the index weight.

Moreover, the fund has no exposure to financial companies, which means it misses significant parts of the broader US economy.

Finally, at current valuations, the Nasdaq 100 trades at a premium to its long-run historical average, which limits the margin of safety for investors buying today.

Foolish takeaway

For Australian investors who believe artificial intelligence will reshape the global economy over the next decade but do not want the risk of picking individual winners, NDQ offers an ideal solution.

The ETF is diversified, low cost, liquid, and loaded with the companies best positioned to benefit from the AI megatrend.

The post Why the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be the best way to capture the AI boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

One of the best pieces of investment advice that helps investors outperform the market, in the long-term, is "be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful".

As the above chart shows, the NDQ ETF reached an all-time high this week. It certainly doesn't seem as though investors are fearful about the companies within the NDQ ETF portfolio right now.

Yes, I'd much rather invest when the unit price was below $50 – significantly below where it is today – but we don't know if or when the unit price will get back to that level.

The question is – is it worth investing in today at this high valuation? I think investors should remember one key factor.

Great businesses continue growing earnings

The NDQ ETF is invested in 100 of the largest non-financial businesses in the US.

The biggest positions in the portfolio include Nvidia, Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon¸ Tesla and Micron Technology.

These businesses have collectively soared over the last few years, largely because they have grown their earnings as a group. The NDQ ETF has justified capital growth because the underlying companies are driving impressive financial progress.

As the chart below shows, the fund's unit price has increased by more than 100% in the past five years.

These businesses are regularly releasing new products and services, as well as implementing price rises on some products. New phones, devices, accessories, subscriptions – earnings have been driven by product developments and market share gains.

AI is one of the latest and biggest things the US tech giants are focused on. It's not quite clear how they're going to monetise AI to make a reasonable return on all of the expenditure on AI-related efforts.

If a company continues growing profit, it's very likely to send the share price higher. The business can grow into a valuation.

Final thoughts on the NDQ ETF

So, while it's true it's not cheap at an all-time high, it's also true that it has hit an all-time high numerous times over the last five years, as the chart below shows.

It has reached plenty of highs before and kept growing thanks to the quality of the businesses involved.

I think the same can continue over the long-term, so I'd be happy to invest in the NDQ ETF today, though I'd start with a small position following its 20% rise since the end of March, at the time of writing.

The post Why invest in Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ) at an all-time high? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

They provide a simple way to invest, eliminating the need to choose individual shares.

But which ASX ETFs could be worth considering in 2026? Let's take a look at five funds that are highly rated for a reason. They are as follows:

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

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

With a single investment, this fund provides access to a large slice of the US share market, which remains home to many of the world's strongest companies.

Among its 500 holdings are names such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

For investors wanting US exposure through the ASX, this fund remains one of the cleanest ways to do it.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF worth looking at is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

It provides exposure to developed markets outside Australia, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and other major economies.

This makes it broader than a single-country ETF. It gives investors access to thousands of companies across multiple regions and industries, helping reduce reliance on the Australian market.

Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Nestle (SWX: NESN).

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

A third ASX ETF to consider buying is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund is more concentrated than broad global funds. It gives investors exposure to many of the companies shaping digital consumption, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, and online services.

Its holdings include Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

The fund can be more volatile than broader ETFs because of its technology-heavy profile. However, it also provides exposure to some of the strongest growth businesses in the world.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ASX ETF to look at is the popular VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF.

It takes a more selective approach to the US market. It focuses on companies that have sustainable competitive advantages, while also considering valuation.

Its holdings include companies such as Nike (NYSE: NKE), Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN).

For investors who want exposure to quality US companies without simply tracking the broader market, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be worth a closer look.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A final ASX ETF that stands out is the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

Cybersecurity has become a core spending priority for businesses and governments. As more data, payments, systems, and customer interactions move online, the need to protect digital infrastructure keeps growing.

This fund provides exposure to global companies involved in cybersecurity software, hardware, and services. Its holdings include Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO).

This is a more targeted ETF, so it may not suit every investor. But for those wanting exposure to a long-term technology theme, it could be worth considering.

The post 5 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

In fact, I think many investors could do very well by keeping things simple, spreading their money across a small number of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and letting time do the heavy lifting.

If I were starting today and wanted a simple long-term portfolio, I would consider using three ASX ETFs.

Start with a broad Australian base

The first ETF I would consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS).

This ETF provides investors with exposure to a broad basket of Australian shares, including the largest companies on the ASX.

That means a single investment can provide exposure to banks, miners, retailers, healthcare companies, infrastructure shares, and industrial businesses.

For me, the appeal is simplicity.

Instead of trying to pick the next winning bank or mining stock, investors can own a broad slice of the Australian market. That can reduce the risk of relying too heavily on one company.

The VAS ETF can also provide dividend income, which is one of the features many investors like about the Australian share market.

I would not expect it to be the fastest-growing part of the portfolio every year. But I think it can work well as a steady foundation.

Add global diversification

The second ETF I would consider is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

This is where I think the portfolio becomes much stronger.

Australia is a good market, but it is also quite concentrated. Banks and resources make up a large part of the local index, which means investors can miss out on other sectors if they only buy Australian shares.

The VGS ETF helps solve that problem.

It provides exposure to major global companies across developed markets, including large technology, healthcare, consumer, industrial, and financial businesses.

I think that is important because many of the world's best companies are listed outside Australia.

A portfolio that only owns ASX shares may be missing out on global leaders in software, semiconductors, luxury goods, pharmaceuticals, payments, and cloud computing.

That is why I would want the VGS ETF in the mix.

Add a growth tilt

The third ETF I would consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

This ETF is more concentrated and higher risk than the VAS or VGS ETFs, but I think it can play a useful role for investors who want extra growth exposure.

It gives investors access to many of the largest companies listed on the Nasdaq, including global technology and innovation leaders like Apple and Nvidia.

These businesses are exposed to themes such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and software.

Of course, the Nasdaq can be volatile. When interest rates rise or investors turn away from growth shares, the NDQ ETF can fall sharply.

But over the long term, I think owning some exposure to world-class technology businesses makes sense.

Foolish Takeaway

An ASX portfolio does not need 20 holdings to work.

I think a mix of the VAS, VGS, and NDQ ETFs could give investors a strong starting point. It provides exposure to Australian dividends, global businesses, and some of the world's leading technology companies.

There will still be market downturns, and returns are never guaranteed. But for investors who want a straightforward way to build wealth over time, I think this three-ETF approach is hard to ignore.

The post How I'd build a simple ASX portfolio with just 3 ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

This exchange-traded fund (ETF) allows Australian investors to own a piece of the 100 largest non-financial shares listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The Nasdaq is the exchange known for housing most of the popular tech shares that the US is famous for. You have the 'Magnificent 7' as the headliners, of course, with the likes of Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA and Alphabet dominating the top echelons of this index fund.

But NDQ also offers decent exposure to smaller tech stocks like Netflix, PayPal, Palantir, Qualcomm, Texas Instruments, and Shopify.

With all of these impressive names under one NDQ roof, many ASX investors have NDQ in their ASX portfolios. I used to be one of them, attracted by the easy exposure to what are undeniably some of the best businesses in the world. But not anymore.

I don't have a problem with the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

However, I simply found what I believed to be a superior alternative.

NDQ is a great ETF. But it does not come cheap. Unlike other ASX index funds, NDQ does not charge a cheap-as-chips management fee of under 0.1%. In fact, NDQ will cost investors 0.48% per annum, or $48 per year for every $10,000 invested. That's a bit steep for my liking, so a few months ago, I sold my NDQ units and redeployed the capital into a similar ETF that charges a fraction of NDQ's cost.

That ETF was the Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE: SCHG).

NDQ, but better?

Yes, this is a US-based ETF, meaning ASX investors will need to buy it on a platform that allows US trading. But aside from this hurdle, I see no reason to own NDQ over SCHG. For one, SCHG invests in a very similar basket of stocks to NDQ. You'll find all of the names mentioned above in its portfolio, albeit with different weightings. You'll even get some tech stocks that aren't on the NASDAQ, and thus, the NDQ ETF. These include Visa, Uber Technologies, and Mastercard.

But the best part? SCHG charges an annual management fee of just 0.04%. That's more than ten times cheaper than NDQ.

The difference between 0.48% and 0.04% might not look like a significant one. But it can make a real difference to investor returns over long periods of time. That's why I switched to SCHG, and haven't looked back since. Something to consider if you like having the US's top growth stocks in your ASX share portfolio.

The post I love the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ). Here's why I sold it. appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.