A new report from Global X has shed light on how investors may be able to position themselves should this come to fruition. 

According to the report, the RBA remains in a tightening posture as inflation pressures persist, including from geopolitical-driven energy shocks such as Middle East tensions. This reinforces the need for portfolios designed to remain resilient through a higher-for-longer rate regime.

Here are 5 ASX ETFs the provider believes could be worth considering. 

Global X Australian Bank ETF (ASX: BANK)

This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of Australian banking debt across the full capital structure. 

Global X said the portfolio of floating rate notes through both senior and subordinated credit and hybrid securities allows investors to benefit from rising income as rates increase, while still retaining a modest allocation to fixed-rate bonds that may provide upside should the rate cycle eventually reverse.

These securities have coupons that reset periodically in line with interest rates, meaning income rises as rates move higher. As a result, they can offer a more resilient income stream while experiencing less capital volatility compared to fixed-rate bonds.

Global X S&P/ASX 300 High Yield Plus ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

This fund invests in 50 high-dividend stocks from the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

Global X argues that with Australian dividend yields near multi-decade lows and the total amount of dividends decreasing over the last few years, relying solely on broad market income may no longer be sufficient. 

Instead, investors can consider a combination of high dividend equities and options-based strategies.

By focusing on companies with higher forecast dividend yields, investors may be able to capture an incremental yield premium of close to 1% relative to the broader benchmark, while still maintaining sector diversification and applying disciplined screening to avoid potential dividend traps.

Global X S&P/ASX 200 Covered Call Complex ETF (ASX: AYLD)

This fund uses a "covered call" or "buy-write" strategy in an effort to generate yield enhancement over and above dividends and franking. 

Global X believes this strategy could be successful during high interest rate environments or during periods of volatility. 

These strategies can generate additional income by selling call options over an equity portfolio. Importantly, option premiums are partially driven by the risk-free rate.

As rates rise, the cost of protection increases, which can lead to higher premiums for option sellers. Moreover, covered call strategies tend to outperform during sideways and downward markets. This creates an opportunity to enhance portfolio income while potentially dampening volatility.

Global X Bloomberg Commodity ETF (Synthetic) (ASX: BCOM)

This fund invests in a highly liquid, broad-based basket of commodities, including energy, grains, precious metals, industrial metals, softs and livestock.

Global X said materials and energy sectors tend to exhibit a positive relationship with inflation. 

Commodity producers also benefit from rising input prices, which can translate into stronger revenues.

For Australian investors, this is particularly relevant given the market's natural tilt toward resources. Examining previous rate hiking cycles, energy and materials have typically been standout performers relative to other sectors, reflecting their sensitivity to inflation dynamics and their ability to benefit from elevated commodity prices and supply-side constraints.

Etfs Metal Securities Australia – Etfs Physical Gold (ASX: GOLD)

This ASX ETF delivers investors a return mirroring the growth in the Australian dollar gold price, minus the annual management fee.

The provider pointed towards historical data that suggests during times of inflation, precious commodities such as gold have outperformed. 

The post 5 ASX ETFs to navigate rising interest rates appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

A handful of ASX ETFs now bundle the market's biggest dividend payers into a single trade. They offer instant diversification and regular income.

Three ASX ETFs stand out for investors chasing yield without abandoning long-term growth potential.

Let's take a closer look.

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF has become a go-to option for dividend hunters. The ASX ETF targets Australian companies with above-average forecast yields, which naturally tilts it toward banks, miners and energy giants.

Heavyweights like Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) tend to sit near the top of the portfolio.

That concentration explains why distributions can look very attractive in strong commodity or banking cycles. The yield is typically well above the broader S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and often boosted by franking credits. At the current share price of $82.65, the yield is 9%.

Growth isn't the main attraction, but over time capital returns have tracked the performance of Australia's largest blue chips. This makes it a classic income-first ETF with some upside attached. In the past 12 months, VHY ETF has grown by 8% at the time of writing.

Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

This smaller ASX ETF takes a slightly different approach. Instead of reaching deep into the market for yield, it stays closer to the ASX 200 and selects companies with strong dividend characteristics.

Banks still dominate, but infrastructure stocks, telcos and established industrials also feature prominently. That tends to smooth volatility compared with more aggressive high-yield strategies. Just 1.3% of the fund is invested in companies in the US and Europe.

The dividend yield is usually lower than the pure high-yield ETFs – 5.6% at current price levels – but investors get broader exposure to the market and a better balance between income and growth. For those who want dividends without drifting too far from the benchmark, this ETF sits in the middle ground.

iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD)

The iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF adds a sustainability filter to the income equation. This $364 million ASX ETF focuses on a smaller group of higher-yielding Australian companies while excluding businesses that don't meet ESG criteria.

The result is a portfolio that still leans toward banks and established dividend payers, but with different sector weights to traditional high-yield funds. The dividend yield is generally more modest, offering 4.9% at the time of writing. Yet distributions are still competitive, and long-term returns aim to combine steady income with moderate capital growth.

This option appeals to investors who want attractive dividends without chasing the highest-yield. This ASX ETF was the best performing of the three ASX ETFs over the past 12 months, gaining 15% in value.

Foolish Takeaway

Together, these 3 ASX ETFs show there's more than one way to invest for income on the ASX.

Whether the priority is maximum yield, balance, or a blend of dividends and sustainability, dividend ASX ETFs can play a useful role in building passive income over time.

The post 3 ASX ETFs for investors chasing yield and growth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Despite a dip last week, both the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) are not far off all-time highs. 

When this happens, it can be prudent for investors to shift the focus away from growth/value investing strategies to income. 

One way to do this is through ASX ETFs that target market-beating income returns. 

Income-focused ASX ETFs can be attractive because they offer diversification and access to dividends that may help cushion volatility.

Here are three ASX ETFs investors may wish to consider for an income boost. 

Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)

This high yield ASX ETF consistently performs as one of the top passive income options for investors. 

The fund employs an investment strategy that tracks the FTSE Australia High Dividend Yield Index. 

This index provides exposure to ASX shares with higher forecast dividends than the broader market.

It currently offers a trailing yield of around 4.25%. 

Last year, I covered that the trailing 12-month dividend yield of the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO) was 3.5%.

This fund clearly outperforms this average, which is good news for long-term investors seeking market beating income. 

Its top weighted holdings are: 

• BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP): 10.62%
• Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA): 9.91%
• Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC): 7.31%. 

It comes with a management fee of 0.25% p.a, which is relatively low.

Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)

This ASX ETF uses a slightly different strategy to generate income. 

It aims to provide franked income that exceeds the net income yield of the broad Australian sharemarket on an annual basis, along with exposure to a diversified portfolio of Australian shares.

According to Betashares, it follows a rules-based 'dividend harvest' strategy, which seeks to maximise HVST's exposure to dividend-paying Australian shares.

The fund's share portfolio is generally selected from the largest 100 Australian shares on the ASX, screened for high dividend and franking outcomes based upon expected future gross dividend payments.

The share portfolio is rebalanced approximately every three months, with the aim of including the shares that are expected, within the next rebalance period, to provide the highest gross yield outcomes.

As of 2 February 2026, its 12-month yield was 5.8%.

It comes with a management fee p.a. of 0.72%. 

Global X S&P/ASX 300 High Yield Plus ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

This ASX ETF invests in 50 high-dividend stocks from the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

It has the lowest management cost of the three listed funds, charging 0.24% p.a.

As at 30 January 30, it had a 12-Month yield of 4.12%. 

It is worth noting the fund is a purely income-focused strategy with limited capital growth.

However this could make it ideal for investors anticipating limited capital gains from the ASX in 2026. 

The post With global valuations stretched here are 3 great income ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) are trading close to all-time highs. 

This can make it feel difficult to identify individual stocks that are undervalued. 

When that's the case, it can be a good opportunity to turn to income investing. 

Dividend or income investing focuses on owning assets that pay regular cash (like dividends). This means your returns don't rely entirely on rising share prices. 

When equities look expensive, this strategy is attractive because income provides a steady return and downside cushion. This allows you to stay invested and get paid while waiting for better valuation-driven opportunities.

Here are 3 ASX ETFs income focussed investors might consider. 

Global X S&P/ASX 200 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)

This ASX ETF invests in 50 high-dividend stocks from the S&P/ASX 200 Index.

This fund is designed to focus on forward-looking positive dividend yields while ensuring it does not deviate too much from the benchmark in terms of sector weights. 

To achieve this, Global X applies a momentum filter. The filter removes stocks experiencing sharp price falls, helping to reduce the risk of being exposed to dividend traps.

According to a recent report from Global X, the fund is a purely income-focused strategy with limited capital gain upside, making it well-suited to sideways or falling markets while helping investors supplement portfolio returns in a challenging environment.

The ASX ETF provider said it currently has a trailing annual distribution income of ~10% p.a., made up of dividends, franking credits, and options premium yield, and is currently the only index-based Australian share covered call ETF on the market.

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

This fund aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) that provides exposure to a share portfolio of 50 high-yielding Australian companies.

It currently offers a dividend yield of approximately 4.5%. 

According to Betashares, it seeks to improve on traditional high-dividend strategies by aiming to screen out potential 'dividend traps' such as companies projected to pay unsustainably high dividend yields, as well as companies that exhibit high levels of volatility relative to their forecast dividend payout.

It includes a similar portfolio to the Global X fund above, with an exposure to some of Australia's largest banking and mining companies. 

Russell Investments High Dividend Australian Shares ETF (ASX: RDV)

Another strong income ETF to consider is the Russell High Dividend Australian Shares ETF. 

This fund aims to track the Russell Australia High Dividend Index, which comprises Australian blue-chip companies with a bias towards those that have a high expected dividend yield. 

It combines this with companies that meet other characteristics including: 

• a history of paying dividends
• dividend growth
• consistent earnings.

It has a yield of just over 4.5%. 

The post 3 high yield ASX ETFs perfect for income investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These include Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC) and Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI).

ASX DTEC, which returned 64% to investors last year, is benefiting from a major increase in worldwide defence spending.

This includes a commitment made last year by the 32 NATO nations to raise their spending from 2% to 5% of GDP over the next decade.

SEMI ETF, which returned 56% in 2025, is leveraging the artificial intelligence (AI) investment theme, as the world's next generation of innovative technology will require semiconductors to power it.

How much will Global X ETF investors receive?

We have summarised the dividend amounts and dividend reinvestment prices (DRPs), rounded to two decimal places.

The post Own DTEC or SEMI ETFs? Here's why it's a big day for you appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These include Global X Copper Miners ETF (ASX: WIRE), which exposes investors to copper shares all over the world.

ASX WIRE has tailwinds due to a 37% lift in the copper price over the past year, as global demand increases due to the energy transition.

It also includes Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC), which has had a stellar run since inception in October 2024.

ASX DTEC is leveraging a massive increase in worldwide defence spending amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Global X reveals next lot of dividends for ASX ETFs

We have summarised the dividend amounts and dividend reinvestment prices (DRPs), rounded to two decimal places.

Global X will pay investors this Friday, 16 January.

The post Global X announces dividends for DTEC, WIRE and other ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Investors seem to love the diversification and simplicity that ETFs offer, all for what is usually a relatively cheap price (at least compared to what we used to pay managed funds).

As it stands today, simple index funds such as the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) and the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) are still the most popular ETFs on the ASX. But dividend ETFs have also been growing in popularity over the past few years.

How do ASX dividend ETFs work?

A dividend ETF works by selecting a basket of ASX shares that fulfil certain requirements when it comes to dividends. These requirements vary from fund to fund. But they generally include criteria such as a significant dividend yield (preferably with full franking credits attached), financial strength and stability, and a mature business generating plenty of cash flow.

Usually, these dividend ETFs hold fewer underlying shares than a full index fund. For example, the VAS and IVV ETFs named above generally hold around 300 and 500 individual companies respectively. But the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY) holds 75 at the latest count. The iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD) has 49 holdings.

Some of the largest holdings in these two ETFs include shares like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) and National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB).

Here are some of the prominent ASX dividend ETFs available on the markets today:

• Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
• iShares S&P/ASX Dividend Opportunities ESG Screened ETF (ASX: IHD)
• VanEck Morningstar Australian Moat Income ETF (ASX: DVDY)
• SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield Fund (ASX: SYI)
• BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund (ASX: HVST)
• Global X S&P/ASX 300 High Dividend ETF (ASX: ZYAU)
• BetaShares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser (ASX: UMAX)
• SPDR S&P Global Dividend Fund (ASX: WDIV)

Generally, these dividend ETFs offer higher dividend yields to ASX investors than what their equivalent index fund might provide. Typically, they also offer quarterly dividend payments (sometimes even monthly).

However, there are some things to watch out for if you go shopping for an ASX dividend ETF.

Things to watch out for when choosing an ASX dividend ETF

Dividend ETFs charge higher fees

If you're looking for the lowest-cost ETFs on the market, it's almost always pure index funds you'll end up with. Dividend ETFs normally charge higher fees for their tailored services. So make sure you compare the fees of an ETF you're looking at to see if they are worth the extra charges you might be asked to pay.

Performance

Although not a universal rule, many dividend ETFs sacrifice overall returns in order to boost the income yield you can expect from your investment. Now some investors who perhaps live off of their dividends might be okay with this.

However, others might not want to pay extra fees in order to get a lower overall return than they might get from an ordinary index fund. Thus, it might be a good idea to look at both short and long-term returns carefully when considering an income-focused fund.

Structure

Not all dividend ETFs are equal. Most out there will hold a basic portfolio of underlying shares in order to generate income. But others, including the BetaShares Australian Dividend Harvester Fund and the BetaShares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Fund, use more complex derivatives to provide an income boost.

Make sure you understand how these work before investing, as these funds generally charge a higher management fee for this structure. It can also give their portfolios some different performance characteristics that investors should be aware of.

The post The rise of dividend ETFs in Australia: A new era of investment appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Investors put in the highest-ever amount of dollars into local ETFs in October, but some products fared far better than others.

A BetaShares report showed cash, bond and fixed interest ETFs featured prominently among the top 10 ETFs that saw the largest inflow of cash last month. 

This perhaps indicated some anxiety with investors about the US election result and sky-high share valuations.

Top 10 hottest Australian ETFs

ETF pioneer Vanguard dominated the top of the charts. 

Its Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index (Hedged) ETF (ASX: VBND), Vanguard Msci Index International Shares Etf (ASX: VGS), and Vanguard Australian Fixed Interest Index ETF (ASX: VAF) collectively brought in about $478 million for the company.

But the most attractive fund of October, iShares Core S&P/Asx 200 Etf (ASX: IOZ), alone pulled in a stunning $326 million of investor funds.

Top 10 coldest Australian ETFs

At the other end of the charts, foreign assets seemed to go out of favour with Australian ETF investors.

The trend could be a validation of the successful suppression of COVID-19 in Australia while the northern hemisphere copped a third wave as it headed into the colder months.

iShares Edge MSCI World Multifactor ETF (ASX: WDMF), iShares MSCI South Korea ETF AUD (ASX: IKO), BetaShares US Dollar ETF (ASX: USD), iShares Europe ETF AUD (ASX: IEU) and Platinum International Fund (Quoted Managed Hedge Fund) (ASX: PIXX) all suffered significant outflows.

BetaShares itself had $34.8 million pulled out of its BetaShares Australian Resources Sector ETF (ASX: QRE), which was the 2nd highest amount.

It's often hard to pinpoint the exact reasons for outflows from a particular ETF, BetaShares head of strategy Ilan Israelstam told The Motley Fool.

"Investors will have their own motivations for increasing or reducing their positions," he said.

"On QRE in particular, our suspicion is that most of the selling was due to investors taking profits, given QRE was up around 34% from its lows in March."

Betashares and AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) recently closed down a trio of ETFs they jointly operate due to a lack of investor interest. Those funds will trade on the ASX for the last time on 4 December.

The last two months have been the only time in history that the Australian ETF industry saw more than $2 billion come inwards each month.

Local ETFs collectively manage $73.8 billion, which is another all-time record.

The post 10 hottest (and coldest) Aussie ETFs right now appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.