Here are three reasons this ASX exchange traded fund (ETF) could be worth considering.

It gives exposure to the rest of the world

The VEU ETF is designed to give investors access to companies listed globally but outside the United States.

That makes it very different from popular US-focused ETFs that track the S&P 500 or Nasdaq 100 such as the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV) and the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ).

The fund can hold shares from both developed and emerging markets, giving investors exposure to regions such as Europe, Japan, Canada, Asia, and other parts of the global economy.

This can be useful because many portfolios are already heavily exposed to the United States through global ETFs, technology funds, and individual shares. The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF offers a way to look beyond Wall Street.

It can help with diversification

Diversification is one of the main reasons investors use ETFs.

The Vanguard VEU ETF can help because it spreads money across a large number of international companies, sectors, and countries.

That means investors are not relying only on Australia's banks and miners, or only on America's technology giants, to drive long-term returns. This can be particularly attractive when market leadership changes. 

There will be periods when US shares outperform almost everything else. But there can also be times when international markets, emerging economies, European industrials, Asian manufacturers, or global consumer brands perform strongly.

This ASX ETF gives investors a broader opportunity set without needing to pick the right overseas shares one by one.

It can work well alongside US ETFs

The VEU ETF does not need to replace US exposure. In fact, one of its best uses may be alongside a US-focused ETF.

An investor could use an S&P 500 ETF or US total market ETF for American exposure, then add the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF for the rest of the world.

That creates a more deliberate global portfolio. It also gives investors more control than relying on a single global ETF that may already be heavily weighted toward the United States.

Foolish takeaway

The VEU ETF offers a simple way to broaden a portfolio beyond the most crowded part of the global share market.

For investors who already have plenty of US exposure, that could make it a very useful ASX ETF to buy and hold.

The post 3 reasons to buy the Vanguard VEU ETF 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.

The global oil shock continued, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining effectively closed with scores of oil tankers stranded.

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised interest rates for a third time in 2026 last month due to resurgent inflation.

Softer-than-expected inflation data and 18,600 job losses in April suggest the RBA is unlikely to raise rates again this month.

The market expects the RBA to keep interest rates on hold at 4.35% on 16 June.

Changes to capital gains tax (CGT) proposed in the Federal Budget shocked some investors last month.

The 50% CGT discount for assets held for more than a year will be replaced by cost-base indexation and a minimum 30% CGT rate from 1 July 2027.

Existing investments in ASX shares and property will be grandfathered.

That means the 50% CGT discount will continue to apply to gains accrued before 1 July 2027 on those assets.

After 1 July 2027, cost base indexation will apply for future gains on those existing investments.

There is one exception under the changes. Investors who buy new properties will be able to choose between the two CGT methods.

Private wealth and investment advisory firm, Medallion Financial Group, says the changes may encourage more focus on yield.

For example, investors may prefer to accumulate more franked ASX dividend shares over growth investments.

Drew Meredith, a principal adviser at Wattle Partners, provides 5 tips for investors considering topping up their dividend stocks.

Most bought ASX shares in May

The following ASX shares and ETFs were the most bought by investors using the Bell Direct trading platform last month.

The rankings are based on order of net value of buy orders, minus sell orders, placed by Bell Direct clients.

Given the number of experts discussing the enhanced appeal of dividends under the CGT changes, it's interesting to see the market's largest ASX dividend ETF at the top of the buy list.

Source: Bell Direct

Most sold ASX shares last month

Source: Bell Direct

The post Top 10 ASX shares bought and sold by investors in May 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.

The Australian ETF Review shows that the diversification of ASX ETFs is attracting more and more investors every month, particularly into international funds.

After a turbulent few months, global markets staged a strong rebound in April, helping push the Australian ETF industry to a new record of $346 billion in funds under management. Combined with another month of net inflows exceeding $5 billion, the industry recorded its third largest monthly gain in history.

April overview

According to Betashares, the Australian ETF industry set a new record in April, reaching $346 billion in funds under management following another month of inflows exceeding $5 billion. 

Strong flows, combined with a rebound in global markets, drove the third largest single-month dollar gain in the industry's history.

International equities was the standout asset class for the month, capturing nearly half of all inflows at $2.6 billion – reflecting strong performance across global markets. 

Australian equities and fixed income followed in second and third place respectively.

Market insights 

Hugh Lam, Betashares, Investment Strategist said despite the ongoing fallout from the Iran war, stock market indices staged a remarkable recovery in April buoyed by a still resilient global economy and renewed optimism around the AI hardware/memory theme. 

Following their Q1 2026 earnings results, US mega-cap hyperscalers are forecast to spend US$755 billion on capital expenditures this year. This has fuelled a massive memory supercycle, with markets like South Korea's KOSPI index having tripled over the last year due to its outsized exposure to memory chip manufacturers, Samsung and SK Hynix.

Mr Lam noted that the oil supply shock still presents downside risks to the global economy should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed for longer than anticipated. 

Structural themes that are either unaffected or bolstered by the Iran war include AI tech hardware, defence and energy security.

Top performing ASX ETFs in April

April's top performers skewed heavily toward growth and technology exposures, led by Nasdaq-linked strategies and strong gains in thematic equities.

Semiconductor and hydrogen ETFs featured prominently, reflecting continued momentum in AI-driven demand and clean energy optimism. 

The top performers in April were: 

• Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund (ASX: LNAS) rose 38%
• Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) rose 35%
• Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) climbed 30%. 

Inflows were largely focussed on international equities during April amidst volatility in the Australian market. 

The funds that received the most inflows during April were: 

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU)
• Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). 

The post Why Aussie investors are pouring into international ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

Here are three ETFs that make global investing straightforward.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With so many options on offer, I think it could make sense to focus on funds that tap into major global markets and long-term growth trends, while still providing diversification.

Here are three Vanguard ETFs I think stand out for Australian investors in 2026.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The VTEK ETF offers Aussies a targeted way to invest in one of the most influential sectors in the global economy.

Technology continues to shape how businesses operate and how consumers interact with products and services. Areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital platforms are still expanding, and the companies leading these trends are continuing to invest heavily.

This ETF provides exposure to around 300 global technology stocks, giving investors access to a wide range of businesses across developed and emerging markets. It is also structured with caps on individual holdings, which helps manage concentration risk.

The recent tech selloff has made valuations more attractive in this part of the market. And with long-term drivers still in place, now could be a good time to consider this ETF.

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (ASX: V500)

The V500 ETF is one of the simplest ways for Aussies to gain exposure to the US market.

It tracks the S&P 500 index, which includes 500 of the largest listed companies in the United States. These businesses operate across sectors such as technology, healthcare, industrials, financials, and consumer goods.

What I like about this ETF is the balance it provides. It offers exposure to high-quality stocks with strong earnings power, while also spreading that exposure across a broad range of industries.

Over time, the US market has been a consistent driver of global returns, supported by innovation and scale. I believe this can continue over the long term.

For Australian investors, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF also provides diversification away from the local market, which is more concentrated in financials and resources.

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

The VEU ETF complements US exposure by covering the rest of the world.

It includes holdings across Europe, Asia, and other regions (except the US). This creates access to economies that are growing at different rates and driven by different factors.

That diversification can be valuable over time. Different regions can perform well at different stages of the cycle, and the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF captures that variation across a large number of companies and industries.

It also provides exposure to emerging markets, which can add another layer of growth potential as those economies continue to develop.

Foolish takeaway

When investing in ETFs, I think it makes sense to combine exposures that can work together over time.

The VTEK ETF provides access to long-term technology trends, the V500 ETF offers broad exposure to leading US companies, and the VEU ETF adds diversification across the rest of the world.

Together, they create a simple framework that can capture growth across multiple regions and sectors, which is what I look for when investing for the long term.

The post 3 excellent Vanguard ETFs for Australian investors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's take a look.

Top 10 ASX ETFs for inflows last month

Top 10 ETFs for outflows

How ASX ETFs investors repositioned last month

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wong added:

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

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

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

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

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

Here are three Vanguard exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I think are worth a closer look as we head into April.

Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF (ASX: VDHG)

The Vanguard Diversified High Growth Index ETF is the kind of fund I think of as a set and forget option.

It bundles together multiple asset classes, including Australian shares, global equities, and fixed income, into a single investment.

What stands out to me is how it simplifies decision-making. Instead of choosing between regions or sectors, you're getting a pre-built portfolio that automatically rebalances over time.

In periods where markets are volatile, that structure can be useful. You're not trying to pick the exact winner. You're staying invested across everything.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF offers investors something more familiar.

It gives broad exposure to the Australian market, including banks like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and other large domestic businesses like Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

This is particularly useful for income investors. The Australian market tends to offer higher dividend yields than many global markets, supported by franking credits. The VAS ETF captures this.

At the same time, it still provides exposure to companies that benefit from economic growth and commodity demand.

Overall, I think it's a simple way to anchor a portfolio in the local market while collecting income along the way.

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

The Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF fills a gap that many portfolios overlook.

A lot of global investing ends up heavily concentrated in the United States. The VEU ETF deliberately excludes the US and instead provides exposure to Europe, Asia, and emerging markets.

That changes the mix. You're getting access to different economic cycles, currencies, and industries that don't always move in sync with the US.

In a world where diversification matters, I think that's an interesting angle to add.

Foolish takeaway

The VDHG, VAS, and VEU ETFs each serve a different purpose.

One simplifies everything into a single portfolio, one anchors you to the Australian market and its income, and one expands your reach beyond the US.

Together, I think they can complement each other and help build a more balanced portfolio.

The post 3 top Vanguard ETFs I would buy in April appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Thanks partly to our unique system of franking, as well as some good old fashioned love of country, it's fair to say that ASX investors have a strong local bias.

When we do branch out to invest beyond our shores, it is usually a direct flight to the US markets. As I've written here before, the US is, as it should be, the first port of call for ASX investors seeking international diversification. No one can deny that the US is home to the vast majority of the world's best and most dominant businesses. No other country's share market constituents can match the size, scope and scale of top US stocks like Amazon, Alphabet, Microsoft, Netflix, Mastercard, Procter & Gamble, Apple, and countless others.

However, that doesn't meaning investing in US stocks isn't without risk. The US-Iran war that has been raging all month proves that. As such, I think the prudent investor might wish to consider diversifying beyond just Australia and America. The easiest way to do this, by far, is by using exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Let's go through some of the best options for stocks outside Australia and the US.

3 ASX ETFs that can help diversify a portfolio

First up, there's the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU). This ETF, as its name implies, throws a whole bunch of different countries' stock markets together, with the notable exception of the US. The largest contributors to VEU's portfolio include Japan, the United Kingdom, China, Canada, India, and Taiwan. A healthy mix of advanced and developing economies there. ASX do feature in this ETF as well, although they make up just 4.3% of the entire portfolio.

Another option to consider is the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Shares ETF (ASX: VGE). VGE focuses exclusively on emerging economies, so you won't find European, British or Japanese stocks here. Instead, VGE's largest contributors are countries like China, Taiwan, Brazil, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

Finally, investors can consider the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (ASX: IVE). This fund covers markets from Europe, Asia and the Far East (EAFE). It offers exposure to countries ranging form Japan, Spain and the UK to Germany, Singapore and Israel. Again, Australia is included as well, but contributes just over 6% to IVE's holdings.

Foolish takeaway

All three of these ASX ETFs offer Australian investors an easy way to add exposure to stocks from Europe, Asia and Africa to their portfolios. These regions are under-represented in the vast majority of ASX portfolios, and can help insulate investors from adverse movements on the American or Australian markets.

The post These 3 ASX ETFs can help protect your portfolio in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Of course, knowing what you are investing in is vital when making your decision. 

However an often overlooked aspect of ASX ETF investing is the cost of management fees. 

What are ASX ETF management fees?

ASX ETF management fees are the ongoing costs charged by the fund provider to operate and manage the exchange-traded fund. 

These fees help cover expenses like portfolio management, administration, index licensing, custody, and regulatory compliance. 

Management fees are usually expressed as a percentage per annum (% p.a.) of the total value of your investment.

Rather than being charged directly to investors, the fee is automatically deducted from the ETF's assets on an ongoing basis, meaning it is reflected in the ETF's unit price and overall returns over time.

It is also important to recognise that different funds have different fees based on how complex the fund is to run. 

Actively managed and specialised funds tend to be more expensive due to research, trading, and management costs, while passive index funds are usually cheaper. 

Fees can also be higher for funds with international exposure, currency hedging, or less liquid assets. In contrast, large, broad-market funds often have lower fees because their costs are spread across more investors.

Does the management fee really matter?

When you compare funds, you might see management costs ranging from 0.05% p.a. to even 1% p.a. 

While 1% might not sound like a lot, even a tiny difference in management fees can add up over the long-term, especially with large investments. 

The Motley Fool's Sebastian Bowen covered this in great detail last year. 

His research shows an ASX ETF that is 0.05% cheaper can save you almost $6,000 over a 20-year period. 

With that in mind, here are some options for investors seeking low-fee ASX ETFs that have also brought strong returns. 

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

This fund is the cheapest fund I could find in terms of management fees p.a.

Its management fee sits at just 0.03% p.a. 

The fund provides exposure to some of the world's largest companies listed in the United States.

Alongside this low ongoing cost, it has risen by 93.89% in the last 5 years. 

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

Put simply, this fund aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P 500 Index. 

The fund has risen by 104.83% in the last 5 years. 

Alongside this growth, it has a very low cost fee of 0.04% p.a. 

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

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

It has a management fee of 0.04% p.a and has risen by 43% in the last 5 years. 

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This is Australia's second largest ETF by market capitalisation.

It has a management fee of 0.18% p.a. 

The fund includes around 1,300 companies from developed countries, excluding Australia.

It has risen by almost 80% in the last 5 years. 

The post ASX ETFs with big gains and low fees appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Most Australians tend to opt for a simple 'balanced' fund from one of the many providers out there. But there are others who instead choose to directly pick and manage the investments, or even run their own self-managed super funds (SMSF). For these investors, there are numerous exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that may suit their needs.

ETFs are a great way to easily add diversification and stability to a super fund. So let's talk about the two top ASX ETFs that I think would be suitable for most superannuation funds today.

Two ASX ETFs to consider for your superannuation fund in 2026

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

Most Australian superannuation funds, whether they be pre-mix portfolios, SMSFs, or others, are heavily exposed to both the Australian and American stock markets. That makes sense. The Australian markets offer familiarity, domestic investment, and exposure to a market that has historically delivered wealth-building returns. Franking credits are an added bonus.

Meanwhile, the USA is home to many of the best businesses in the world, whether that be Apple, Mastercard, Costco, or Nvidia.

But some investors may wish to diversify their superannuation portfolios away from these two markets. The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF is an easy solution. This Vanguard ETF tracks dozens of stock markets around the world, excluding the American markets. It draws its holdings from countries as diverse as India, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, and Thailand. Some of its largest positions include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, Shell plc, Toyota, and Nestle.

This ASX ETF would suit any investor who would like to see their superannuation investments spread out amongst a truly global portfolio of stocks.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

Given that our superannuation funds represent our ticket to a comfortable retirement, investors usually want to see their capital deployed in safe, reliable businesses that can survive and thrive in all kinds of economic climates. That's where this ASX ETF can come in handy.

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF invests in a basket of the world's best consumer staples stocks. These stocks produce goods that we tend to need to buy continuously. They include food, drinks, household essentials, alcohol, and tobacco.

These companies make for wonderful defensive investments, as the requirement to keep our households well-stocked doesn't abate during recessions or periods of high inflation. Some of IXI's largest companies include Coca-Cola Co, Walmart, Kraft Heinz, Procter & Gamble, and Colgate-Palmolive.

If you're looking for a defensive ETF for your superannuation fund that puts your money in some of the world's most resilient businesses, this fund is well worth a closer look.

The post 2 top ETFs to consider for your superannuation in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With this in mind, let's discuss three Australian ETFs that I believe any investor can purchase today and hold for decades to come.

Three Australian ETFs that anyone can buy and hold forever

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

First up, we have this Australian ETF from Vanguard. This fund is one that does indeed hold the largest 300 stocks listed on the Australian markets. That's everything from Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: TLS) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) and Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD).

Decades of data have shown that simply investing in the Australian share market has produced relatively high returns for investors if we use a long-term lens. Australian shares have historically delivered decent capital growth, strong dividend income, and valuable franking credits. Investors can buy VAS units today, safe in the knowledge that while the largest 300 companies in Australia will move over time, this Australian ETF will move with them by watering the winners and weeding out the losers.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

This next Australian ETF works similarly to VAS. However, instead of holding stakes in the largest 300 Australian shares, it owns stakes in the largest 500 companies listed on the American stock market. That's everything from Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Microsoft, Mastercard, Walmart, Coca-Cola Co, and ExxonMobil.

The US has also been a historically lucrative market for long-term investors. Even the legendary Warren Buffett has repeatedly stated that he believes an S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) fund like this one is the best choice for most investors.

Given that the US is still home to the vast majority of the world's most successful businesses, I would be happy to buy and hold this ETF for the rest of my life.

The post 3 Australian ETFs to buy and hold forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Many Vanguard funds make up important parts of investors' portfolios. In fact, the two largest ASX ETFs by market capitalisation are Vanguard funds. 

As today marks the last day of trading for 2025, here are the Vanguard ASX ETFs that brought the best returns this year. 

Vanguard Ftse Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ)

As the name suggests, this fund offers exposure to companies in major European markets. 

It aims to track the return of the FTSE Developed Europe All Cap Index. 

This includes more than 1,200 holdings (mainly large-cap) from approximately 16 countries

Its largest geographical exposure is to: 

• United Kingdom (23.2%)
• France (14.4%)
• Switzerland (14.1%)
• Germany (13.8%)

No individual holding makes up more than 3% of the fund. 

In 2025, diversification into the European market proved a great decision for investors. 

This ASX ETF rose by approximately 23% this calendar year. 

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

Finishing the year in second place was the Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF. 

This fund provides investors exposure to securities listed in Asia excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

It tracks the return of the FTSE Asia Pacific ex Japan, Australia and New Zealand Index. 

At the time of writing, it is made up of more than 1,700 holdings, with its largest exposure being an 11.5% holding in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd. 

Roughly half of the fund is weighted towards companies in China and Taiwan. 

Investors who held this fund through the year enjoyed a rise of approximately 20%. 

Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU)

In third place was the Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF. 

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

It seeks to track the return of the FTSE All-World ex US Index. 

At the time of writing, it is made up of more than 3,800 holdings. 

Its largest exposure geographically is towards: 

• Japan (15.3%)
• China (9.9%)
• United Kingdom (8.9%)

This fund could be ideal for an investor looking to diversify away from a US heavy portfolio. 

This strategy was worthwhile in 2025, as this fund rose approximately 19%. 

The post The best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs of 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ETFs can be thought of as collections of different shares that trade under one overarching name (and ticker code). To illustrate, the most popular ETFs on the ASX are funds that hold the largest 200 or 300 companies on our stock market. That's everything from Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) to Ampol Ltd (ASX: ALD) and JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH).

If an investor just buys one ASX 200 ETF, they are really investing in the 200 companies that the ETF holds. These companies are updated periodically, meaning the beginner investor doesn't ever have to worry about them again once they've bought the fund. If they don't wish to, of course.

So today, I'll discuss three ASX ETFs that are all a beginner investor needs to have a diversified portfolio of different stocks that will help to build real wealth over time. If an investor buys each fund, elects to reinvest all dividends received, and buys as many units (shares of ETFs) as they can, as often as they can, they are highly likely to increase their wealth dramatically over their lives. That's if the past hundred years are anything to go off.

3 ASX ETFs that are perfect for a beginner investor

First off, we'll start with an Australia-focused fund, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS). This fund works as we discussed above. It holds the largest 300 shares listed on the Australian share market, with every name above included. Amongst many others. Australian shares have delivered healthy returns for decades, and this ETF is a great way to patriotically tap into that trend.

Next up, the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) is a perfect addition to our portfolio. Instead of holding the largest 300 stocks on the Australian market, this fund holds the largest 500 listed over in the United States. The USA houses many, if not most of, the world's best businesses, hands down. With this ETF, you'll be indirectly buying companies ranging from Apple, Amazon and Microsoft to Coca-Cola Co, Mastercard and Ford Motor Company.

These are the companies that dominate global commerce, and, if legendary investor Warren Buffett is to be believed, will continue to do so. I think following Buffett's advice is a sensible path for any beginner investor, so this ASX ETF joins our portfolio.

Finally, we have another Vanguard ETF, the Vanguard All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU). This ETF plugs the giant gap in our portfolios' diversification by branching out beyond just Australia and the US. And branch out it does. This ASX ETF holds thousands of underlying companies, hailing from dozens of different countries. These span from China, India, Brazil and Spain to Taiwan, Singapore, South Africa and Canada.

Over long periods of time, we sometimes see some markets thrive while others suffer. Holding this ETF mitigates some of that risk, as well as providing some potential protection if a country-specific issue affects the US or Australian economies.

Foolish takeaway

These three ASX ETFs together cover most corners of the global economy and form a well-diversified portfolio. All three are passive, hands-off investments that require little ongoing effort or even thought. That, in my view, makes them perfect choices for a beginner investor.

The post Simple, easy investing: These 3 ASX ETFs are all a beginner needs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Instead of researching dozens of individual stocks or trying to predict which region will outperform next, you can buy broad, low-cost funds that give you instant exposure to thousands of businesses around the world.

If you're aiming to grow long-term wealth beyond the ASX, the three simple ETFs listed below, each offering a different type of global exposure, could form the backbone of a high-quality portfolio.

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

To build genuine global diversification, it makes sense to start with an ETF that captures markets outside the United States, and the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares ETF is one of the most comprehensive funds available. It holds thousands of stocks across Europe, Asia, Canada, Latin America, and emerging markets, giving investors exposure to a broad range of economies and industries.

This ASX ETF's top holdings include Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203), HSBC (NYSE: HSBC), Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), and Astra Zeneca (LSE: AZN). These companies offer exposure to global consumer goods, industrials, finance, Asian technology, and healthcare.

By including this fund, investors gain access to regions that often move independently of US and Australian markets, helping smooth long-term returns.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

For exposure to the world's most powerful companies, the iShares S&P 500 ETF is one of the strongest options on the ASX. It tracks the S&P 500 index, giving investors a slice of America's top businesses.

The portfolio includes giants such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT). These companies lead the world in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and consumer staples.

By owning this ASX ETF, investors gain exposure to growth engines that simply don't exist on the ASX at the same scale.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Finally, for investors who want to tilt their global portfolio toward quality, the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF is worth a look.

It adds exposure to 150 elite stocks with strong balance sheets, high returns on capital, and durable competitive advantages.

Its holdings include Visa (NYSE: V), ResMed (ASX: RMD), LAM Research (NASDAQ: LRCX), Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), and Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE). These companies have long track records of consistent earnings, strong pricing power, and leadership positions in their respective markets.

This fund was tipped by analysts at Betashares as one to consider buying.

The post The best ASX ETFs to buy for global investing in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

SMSF investors have the most flexibility in where to put their money. Interestingly, it's ASX shares that have the biggest allocation, followed by direct property, cash and term deposits, managed funds and then unlisted trusts.

Let's take a look at which ASX shares are the most popular within SMSF portfolios.

The most widely held ASX shares

SMSF cloud accounting software provider Class recently released its 2025 annual benchmark report, giving insights into the SMSF landscape.

As of 30 June 2025, there were 12 ASX shares that featured in at least 20% of SMSF portfolios. They were as follows:

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) – 49%
• Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) – 41.8%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) – 36.7%
• National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) – 36.2%
• ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) – 36.1%
• Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) – 35.7%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) – 34.3%
• CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) – 33.2%
• Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) – 30.7%
• Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) – 29.4%
• Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) – 25%
• Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO) – 21.2%

Perhaps it's no surprise that virtually all of these businesses are known for paying a pleasing dividend yield because of the appeal that may have for income investors.

Curiously, while it's BHP and Woodside that have the highest number of SMSFs invested in them, it's a different order for the most dollars invested in each stock.

Below is the biggest percentage of total SMSF ASX share investments, according to Class, with a weighting of at least 2%:

• CBA – 8%
• NAB – 4.1%
• Westpac – 4%
• BHP – 3.9%
• Wesfarmers – 3.3%
• Macquarie – 3.1%
• ANZ – 3%
• CSL – 3%
• Telstra – 2.2%

This goes to show that the big ASX bank shares still have significant backing by a smaller group of SMSF investors.

What about international shares and ASX ETFs?

Some SMSFs have invested in a range of assets, with international shares and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) becoming increasingly popular.

Of the funds that hold international shares, the five most widely held international shares were Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com, Apple and Nvidia.

Visa, Tesla and Berkshire Hathaway are the other international shares that are held by at least 9% of SMSFs that own international shares.

Of the SMSFs that are invested in ETFs, the following are the most widely held funds:

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)
• iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
• Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
• Vanguard Australian Property Securities Index ETF (ASX: VAP)
• Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

By utilising a mixture of different types of investments, SMSFs can create an ASX share portfolio that provides strong returns and diversification for portfolios.

The post Here are the most popular ASX share superannuation investments in SMSFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Whether that's UK shares, European shares, Japanese shares, Chinese shares, Indian shares and so on – there are a number of places outside of the ASX and US worth investing in. The Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU) could be an effective all-in-one option for a few different reasons.

While I'm not suggesting making the VEU ETF the biggest position in one's portfolio, I do think it can effectively diversify a portfolio that's overly concentrated in ASX and US shares. Let's get into why it's so compelling.

Global exposure

The key reason why I think it's such an effective diversification option is that it's invested in numerous countries.

The following markets have an allocation of at least 4% in the portfolio: Japan, the UK, China, France, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, India, Taiwan and Australia. The US share market would typically be at least two-thirds of the portfolio in a similar fund that also includes US shares, so it's useful that many other countries get a sizeable weighting instead.

There are plenty of countries with a weighting of between 1% and 4%, including South Korea, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Hong Kong, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.

There are more than 3,800 businesses inside this Vanguard ETF, which makes it one of the most diversified ASX ETFs you can buy, in my view.

International leaders

While it doesn't own any US businesses in the portfolio, it still owns a number of regional or global leaders. I'm not expecting this fund to deliver huge returns, but I think the outlook is promising for solid returns that could potentially beat the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) because of the strength and quality of the businesses.

Some of the top 10 holdings in the portfolio include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, SAP, Nestle, ASML, Alibaba, Roche, Novartis, Toyota and AstraZeneca.

As a group, I think these businesses collectively have a very promising future.

If a new global winner emerges from any of the countries covered by this Vanguard ETF, then this fund will benefit.

Very low fees

One of the best reasons to like Vanguard ETFs is that they typically have among the lowest fees for their respective investment products. The lower the fee, the more of the money that stays in the hands of investors rather than going to a fund manager.

The VEU ETF has an annual management fee of just 0.04%, making it one of the cheapest funds on the ASX. Getting that much diversification for such a low fee is a real selling point.

While low fees don't guarantee strong investment returns, it does mean stronger net returns for investors.

The post 3 reasons why this Vanguard ETF is a top buy for diversification appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As the chart above shows, the IVV ETF has risen 10% since the April 2025 low, but it's still down more than 9% from 31 January 2025.

Before getting to the positives and negatives, I'll note what this ASX ETF does. The fund gives investors exposure to 500 of the largest businesses that are listed in the US, which incudes companies on the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ.  

Positives

As I just mentioned, there are hundreds of businesses in the portfolio, which is excellent diversification. That helps reduce the risks of being exposed to a particular business or sector too much.

It's invested in many of the world's leading businesses such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Berkshire Hathaway, Broadcom and many more.

These are great businesses, with products with very strong market positions, large research and development budgets, excellent balance sheets, impressive profit margins and the solid investment returns.

Historically, I think great businesses are likely to continue winning over time. Many of the names in the IVV ETF portfolio have global operations, giving them compelling growth runways. The global earnings base reduces those companies' reliance on the US economy, which may be useful if the US goes through a difficult period in the next few years.

Its holdings are great and the fund's administration costs are also particularly appealing. It has an annual management fee of just 0.04%. That means almost all of the returns stay with the investor rather than being lost to fees.

Finally, while past performance is not a guarantee of future performance, the returns have been excellent. According to BlackRock, in the five years to April 2025, the average return per annum was 15.9%.

Negatives on the IVV ETF

As a US shares fund, it's obviously only invested in US stocks. Some investors may like that, but I'd suggest that Aussie investors would benefit from diversification, through gaining exposure to other global markets. An option like Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU) could be an effective option to pair with the IVV ETF.

Investors may also be wary on changes by the new US administration, particularly tariffs. That could have a negative effect on some company earnings for the foreseeable future. It's possible there could be an economic slowdown, but I don't believe it will be a permanent hit forever.

Ultimately, uncertainty may be higher, but I still believe in the long-term collective future of the businesses in this portfolio. Therefore, I'd be happy to invest in the IVV ETF in the long term, but I'm aware that volatility could occur. Lower valuations make this fund even more attractive, not less attractive, in my view.

The post The pros and cons of buying iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But US President Donald Trump is making investors nervous this year.

When Trump announced the US reciprocal tariffs, the S&P 500 spiralled close to official bear market status (a 20% fall from the most recent peak) and the ASX 200 entered an official market correction (10% off the most recent peak).

Could it be time to diversify your international shares investments away from the US?

What is the VEU ETF?

One ASX ETF that allows you to invest everywhere outside the US is the Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU).

The VEU ETF holds a portfolio of 3,823 international stocks in major developed and emerging countries.

Just over 15% of its holdings are in Japan, 9% are in China, and another 9% are in the United Kingdom.

About 6% of its holdings are in France, with another 6% in Canada.

More than 75% of its holdings are large-cap shares.

The VEU ETF seeks to track the FTSE All-World ex-US Index before fees.

According to March data from ASX, the VEU ETF has $3,712 million in funds under management (FUM).

Let's look back and see how well the VEU ETF has performed for Australian investors over the past year.

Has investing outside the US served ASX investors well?

The VEU ETF closed at $98.50 yesterday, up 0.33%.

This time last year, the VEU closed at $89.45 apiece.

If you had put $10,000 into the VEU ETF on 8 May last year, it would have bought you 111 units (for $9,928.95).

There's been a capital gain of $9.05 per unit since then, which equates to $1,004.55 for your portfolio of 111 units.

But what about dividends (or distributions, as they are called with ETFs)?

Since 8 May 2024, VEU has paid four lots of dividends.

The VEU ETF paid investors 45.89 cents per unit on 19 July last year. The ETF then paid 24.70 cents per unit on 18 October.

VEU investors also received 94.03 cents per unit on 22 January this year and 19.07 cents per unit on 22 April.

All up, that is 183.69 cents per unit, which adds $203.89 worth of annual income from your 111 VEU ETF units.

Grand total…

Your capital gain of $1,004.55 plus your distributions of $203.89 gives you a total return in dollar terms of $1,208.44.

You invested $9,928.95 buying your 111 units of VEU on 8 May.

This means you have received a total return, in percentage terms, of 12.17%.

Your portfolio of VEU ETF units is now worth $11,137.39.

The post $10,000 invested in VEU ETF a year ago is now worth… appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.