That includes companies leading areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, financial services, healthcare, and consumer technology.

With so many established global names under one roof, is the IOO ETF a good buy today?

A portfolio of global leaders

The IOO ETF tracks the S&P Global 100 Index, giving investors exposure to 100 major multinational companies from around the world.

I like the focus on businesses that have already built significant global operations.

Major holdings include Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, and JPMorgan.

These companies give the fund exposure to areas including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, ecommerce, financial services, and consumer technology.

There are also businesses outside the technology sector, which gives investors exposure to other parts of the global economy.

For me, one of the advantages is that I do not need to decide which individual global giant will deliver the strongest returns over the next decade. The ETF gives me exposure to a collection of them through a simple ASX investment.

Concentration comes with trade-offs

The IOO ETF is more concentrated than some broad global ETFs.

With around 100 holdings, individual companies can have a greater influence on performance. Its largest positions also account for a meaningful proportion of the portfolio.

I do not necessarily see that as a negative. If I were buying this fund, I would be doing so because I specifically wanted greater exposure to some of the world's biggest and most established businesses.

But investors should understand that the fund may behave differently from an ETF holding more than 1,000 stocks.

If several of its largest holdings struggle at the same time, performance could suffer.

Why I would buy

What I like most about the IOO ETF is the quality of the businesses it allows me to own without needing to build the portfolio myself.

Many of its holdings have spent years establishing global customer bases, strong brands, valuable technology, or leading positions within their industries.

I think several of them could still be considerably larger businesses a decade from now.

That makes IOO ETF a fund I would be comfortable gradually adding to rather than trying to pick the perfect entry point.

Foolish takeaway

So, would I buy the IOO ETF now? Yes, I would.

I like the opportunity to own a focused collection of major global businesses through one ASX investment.

The portfolio is relatively concentrated, and some of its biggest holdings are not cheap, so I would expect plenty of volatility along the way.

But for an investor prepared to hold for years, I think the companies inside IOO give the ETF a strong long-term foundation.

The post Should I buy the iShares Global 100 ETF (IOO) now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

As September begins, three of the provider's biggest funds offer very different propositions — from cheap Australian exposure to high-growth US technology and an all-in-one global portfolio.

A200: The boring ETF that keeps delivering

The BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200) may not be the most exciting ETF on the market, but that is precisely its appeal. The fund returned 1% over the past 12 months, 5% year-to-date and 19% over five years. It gives investors broad exposure to Australia's biggest companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

A200's standout strength is its rock-bottom 0.04% management fee, while its Funds Under Management (FUM) has climbed to around $11 billion. Its largest holdings include BHP and Commonwealth Bank, highlighting both the strength and weakness of the strategy.

For investors wanting a low-cost Australian core holding, A200 is hard to ignore. The problem is concentration. Australian equities are dominated by financials and resources, meaning investors are hardly getting a perfectly balanced slice of the economy. There is also no international exposure.

Still, after a relatively modest 12-month return, this Betashares ETF arguably looks more like a dependable long-term compounder than a momentum trade.

NDQ: The growth bet that has already run hard

If A200 is the steady option, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) is the adrenaline shot.

NDQ has gained 6% YTD, 11% over one year and an impressive 75% over five years. Its portfolio is packed with global technology and growth giants. Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) are among its biggest holdings.

That exposure has been a major strength as artificial intelligence and technology spending have surged. But it is also the fund's biggest vulnerability. Investors are paying a 0.48% management fee for a portfolio heavily tilted towards US mega-cap growth stocks.

After such a powerful five-year run, the provocative question for September is whether investors are buying tomorrow's growth or yesterday's winners.

DHHF: The one ETF to rule them all?

The BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF) takes a completely different approach. It returned 4.5% YTD, 6% over one year and 38% over five years. This Betashares ETF offers exposure to thousands of companies across Australian, developed and emerging markets.

Its biggest underlying exposures include A200 and BGBL, giving investors a combination of Australian and global equities in one package.

The attraction is simplicity. With around $1.6 billion in FUM and a 0.19% management fee, DHHF gives investors a diversified 100%-growth portfolio without having to assemble one themselves.

Its weakness is equally straightforward: investors surrender some control over exactly where their money goes. And because DHHF is entirely growth assets, it can still take a serious hit when global sharemarkets turn south.

For September, DHHF may be the least exciting choice, but for investors seeking simplicity and diversification, that could be exactly the point.

The post Are these 3 top Betashares ETFs a buy in September? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

These two ASX ETFs form the backbone of countless long-term portfolios, offering broad exposure to Australia, global markets and the world's largest economy.

But after gains and shifting global conditions, investors may be asking whether they still deserve a place in a modern portfolio.

Aussie classic

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF remains the core domestic building block for many investors, tracking the performance of the 300 ASX's largest companies.

The popular Vanguard ETF has delivered around 5% in 2026 and 2% over the past 12 months, reflecting steady but modest growth compared to global markets.

Two of its largest holdings include Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), giving investors exposure to both financials and resources.

The strength of VAS lies in its diversification across Australia's leading companies and its consistent dividend income stream. Many Australian shares pay dividends, and the VAS ETF passes those distributions on to its investors.

However, risks remain, particularly its heavy concentration in banks and resources, which can make returns heavily dependent on domestic economic conditions and commodity cycles.

True global reach

The Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF provides broad global diversification outside Australia and has returned around 8% over the past year.

This Vanguard ETF invests across developed markets, reducing reliance on the Australian economy and offering exposure to a wide range of industries and geographies.

Two of its largest holdings are Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), giving investors exposure to both established tech leaders and the high-growth semiconductor sector.

VGS is often viewed as a long-term portfolio stabiliser due to its global reach. However, it still carries risks associated with international market cycles, geopolitical uncertainty, and currency movements, all of which can affect returns for Australian investors.

Foolish takeaway

Despite decent recent performance across the two funds, these Vanguard ETFs continue to play distinct and complementary roles in long-term portfolios. VAS offers domestic stability and dividends and VGS delivers global diversification.

For many investors, the combination remains a powerful foundation for building wealth over time. With a single purchase, an investor can gain exposure to a broad portfolio of established Australian and international businesses, then keep investing and let those companies compound over time.

But understanding each ETF's risks and exposures is essential in deciding whether they still deserve a place in your portfolio today.

The post Are these 2 top Vanguard ETFs still worth buying today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But it can also make the decision feel harder.

With a larger sum, investors may not want to put everything into one narrow idea. A better approach could be to build around a mix of broad global exposure, proven technology leaders, and a focused long-term growth theme.

With that in mind, here are three ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be worth considering.

Betashares Global Shares ETF (ASX: BGBL)

The first ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Global Shares ETF.

This fund gives investors exposure to a large basket of global shares across developed markets.

That means it is not tied to the fortunes of the Australian economy. Instead, investors can gain exposure to global companies across technology, financials, healthcare, industrials, consumer goods, and communications.

Major holdings include Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

I think this ASX ETF could work well as a foundation holding because it offers significant diversification in one trade. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.

This fund is more growth-focused than the BGBL ETF. It gives investors exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

These companies are involved in some of the biggest shifts in the global economy, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, software, ecommerce, streaming, chips, and consumer technology.

Holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN).

This ASX ETF can be volatile because it has a heavy tilt toward technology and growth shares. But for investors with a long-term view, it provides exposure to companies that are shaping how people work, shop, communicate, and use technology.

VanEck Global Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SMHG)

A final ASX ETF that could be worth a closer look is the VanEck Global Semiconductor ETF.

This is the most targeted option of the three. The fund gives investors exposure to companies involved in semiconductors and semiconductor equipment.

That makes it a way to invest in the chips behind artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data centres, electric vehicles, smartphones, automation, and advanced manufacturing.

Holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) and Nvidia.

This is unlikely to be a smooth ride. Semiconductor shares can be cyclical and sentiment can move quickly.

But the long-term theme is powerful. The modern economy needs more computing power, not less, and semiconductors sit at the centre of that demand.

This fund was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

The post The best ASX ETFs to buy with $50,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some of the recent momentum appears to be coming from strong earnings from US technology giants including Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG). But could there be more to the NextDC story?

At the heart of data centre expansion

NextDC operates data centres, increasingly critical infrastructure underpinning the digital economy. The tech company is positioning itself at the heart of this expansion, with a growing Australian footprint and ambitions across Asia.

It recently opened its first AI-ready facility in Kuala Lumpur and is developing facilities specifically designed for Artificial Intelligence workloads, including its S6 Sydney data centre.

The long-term opportunity is compelling. As businesses increasingly use cloud computing, AI, streaming, online payments, cybersecurity tools and other data-heavy software, demand for secure and reliable data centre capacity should continue growing.

NextDC appears to be executing well. It reported pro forma contracted utilisation of 740MW at 30 June 2026, up 11%, while its pro forma forward order book expanded to 565MW.

Investors in NextDC shares will get more detail when the company releases its FY26 results on 27 August.

Could AI provide another catalyst?

The recent share price strength of NextDC shares has coincided with upbeat results from major US technology companies. Strong spending and growth expectations from tech giants may be encouraging investors to look more closely at Australia's data centre sector.

But there could be a more interesting catalyst beneath the surface.

In July, AI company Anthropic was reportedly running a confidential tender for at least 1.4GW of Australian data centre capacity as it prepares for a potential $3 billion IPO in October. NextDC was reportedly among the operators approached.

If AI companies continue securing enormous amounts of computing infrastructure, NextDC could be well positioned to benefit.

Analysts see plenty of upside

TradingView data shows nine of 10 brokers rate NextDC shares a buy or strong buy. The average price target is $21.60, implying around 47% upside from the current share price.

The most bullish target is $32.29, suggesting potential upside of about 119%, while the most pessimistic target still implies roughly 5% upside.

UBS is among the bulls, maintaining a buy rating and a $22.55 price target.

With AI driving a surge in demand for data centre capacity, NextDC could be a stock worth watching closely.

The post Could the AI boom just be getting started for NextDC shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That means understanding how a company makes money, whether it has a durable competitive advantage, or moat, and whether its shares are trading at a sensible price.

Those principles would shape how I'd invest $10,000 today.

Only buy businesses you understand

This rule can keep investors out of some spectacular investment manias.

Buffett didn't understand the dot-com boom, so he stayed away. He also never understood the investment case for cryptocurrencies, so Buffett didn't buy them.

That doesn't mean every technology stock or cryptocurrency is a bad investment. It's because you don't need to invest in everything.

There are thousands of businesses listed around the world. I'd rather own a handful of companies I understand than pretend I have an edge over the market.

Look for powerful economic moats

Buffett's famous "economic moat" concept is another cornerstone of my how to invest strategy.

I'm looking for businesses with something that makes it difficult for competitors to steal their customers and profits, whether that's a powerful brand, network effects, switching costs, intellectual property or sheer scale.

Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) is a good example. I understand what Apple sells, why customers want its products and the strength of its ecosystem. That's the sort of business I'd be comfortable owning for years.

But there's another crucial Buffett lesson: even a wonderful business can be a terrible investment if you pay too much. That's why valuation still matters.

Invesing $10,000 today

I'd make the Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) the foundation of my portfolio. I would allocate $3,500 to this ETF.

With just $10,000, I can't realistically own 50 individual international companies. Trading costs, research and portfolio management would quickly become excessive.

VGS gives me exposure to roughly 1,300 developed-market companies through a single investment. Instead of trying to predict which company will become the next superstar, I can own a slice of many of them.

If an investment compounded at 10% a year, it would roughly double every seven years. That's the sort of long-term compounding I'm targeting, although actual returns will vary.

I'd then put $2,000 into Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) as a high-conviction investment. I'm deliberately overweighting a business I believe has a powerful moat and significant long-term earnings potential.

The question isn't whether Macquarie Group rises next month. I'd be asking whether I still want to own the business 10 or 20 years from now.

I'd put another $2,000 into Betashares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200). It can play a similar role to VGS by providing diversified exposure to Australian businesses without requiring me to buy dozens of individual stocks.

Finally, I'd keep $2,500 in cash. Why? Because a market correction or an exceptional business suddenly trading at an attractive valuation could create an opportunity to deploy that cash.

Think like a business owner

The biggest advantage may come from changing the timeframe.

If I'm investing for six months, I'm focused on the share price. If I'm investing for 20 years, I'm focused on the business.

"Forever" changes everything. I'm not trying to predict the next market winner. I'm trying to own great businesses, pay sensible prices and give compounding as much time as possible to work.

That's the Buffett philosophy I'd use to invest $10,000 today.

The post How to invest $10,000 the Warren Buffett way: Buy businesses, not stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Two of Vanguard's biggest Australian-listed funds, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), offer very different paths to wealth.

So, which one has come out on top?

VAS: The Aussie dividend machine

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index (ASX: XKO), giving investors exposure to around 300 Australian companies in a single trade.

And VAS has been no slouch. Vanguard's largest ETF gained around 6% over the past month and is up roughly 6% year to date. Over five years, it has delivered about 19%, while its 10-year return sits at approximately 55%.

The portfolio is packed with familiar names, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) and Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS).

In other words, banks and miners are doing a lot of the heavy lifting. That concentration has its perks. Investors get exposure to some of Australia's biggest companies and a healthy stream of dividend income.

The catch? Australia's market isn't exactly a diversification champion. Financials and resources make up a hefty chunk of the index.

Still, VAS is exceptionally cheap, charging a management fee of just 0.07% per year. It also recently paid a distribution of 48.99 cents per unit.

VGS: The global growth engine

This Vanguard ETF takes the opposite approach. Rather than putting most of your eggs in the Australian basket, it provides exposure to more than 1,300 large and mid-sized companies across developed markets worldwide.

And lately, that strategy has been winning. VGS is up around 1% over the past month and 6% year to date. Over the past 12 months, it has gained approximately 12%, while its five-year return is around 63%.

But the real eye-catcher is its 10-year performance: approximately 195%, comfortably ahead of VAS.

The fund owns global heavyweights including Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), alongside leading technology, healthcare, consumer and industrial companies.

Investors pay a little more for that global exposure, with VGS charging a management fee of 0.18%. It recently paid a distribution of 80.11 cents per unit.

So, which Vanguard ETF wins?

Both ETFs can have a place in a long-term portfolio, but they do different jobs.

VAS offers Australian exposure, dividend income and a cheap way to own the local market. VGS provides considerably broader geographical diversification and exposure to some of the world's fastest-growing companies.

If past performance is the scoreboard, VGS is the clear winner.

That doesn't necessarily make VAS a loser. For many investors, owning both Vanguard ETFs could provide a compelling combination of Australian income and global growth.

The post VAS vs VGS: One Vanguard ETF has clearly pulled ahead appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

ISMD units floated on the ASX back on Wednesday, 22 July. Since then, they have fared fairly well. The ETF first traded at just over $50.20 a unit. Today, they have climbed to about $50.63 at the time of writing.

But let's dive into exactly what you are buying if you purchase this latest ETF offering on the ASX.

ISMD: An introduction to the new ETF kid on the ASX block

So, as its name implies, this latest ETF from Global X aims to offer ASX investors exposure to a portfolio of small-cap and mid-cap shares. No massive companies like Apple, Amazon or NVIDIA here. This is a relatively under-serviced opportunity for Australian investors, with only a handful of ETFs currently covering these corners of the global market.

As such, this ASX ETF may suit investors looking to diversify into international shares, but who also may be concerned about the heavy exposure that traditional index funds that track stocks outside the ASX have towards the largest companies in the world.

ISMD is an index fund, tracking the MSCI World ex Australia SMID Cap Select Index. This index holds around 300 international stocks, sourced from advanced economies around the world. As with most globally-focused index funds, ISMD is weighted heavily towards the United States, with about 65% of the ETF's portfolio made up of US stocks. Other contributors include Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Italy. On the smaller end, Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, and Bermuda also contribute to this fund.

In terms of individual holdings, you still might recognise some of this ASX ETF's largest stocks. They include SanDisk Corp, Warner Bros Discovery, eBay, Archer-Daniels-Midland, Ralph Lauren, and KFC-owner Yum! Brands.

The fund is not currency hedged. That means that the value of ISMD units can be affected by both the underlying movements of its stock holdings, and movements on the foreign exchange markets. This can cut both ways for investors, of course.

The Global X MSCI International Small and Mid Cap ETF charges a management fee of 0.45% per annum. That's a cost of $45 per year for every $10,000 invested.

The post Say hello to the ASX's newest ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But which ASX ETFs could be worth considering right now?

Here are three amazing funds that I would buy in July:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is the fund I would consider if I wanted my portfolio to have more exposure to the companies rewriting the rules of modern business.

This fund owns 100 of the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq.

That means investors get access to businesses sitting behind artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital advertising, chips, streaming, ecommerce, software, and consumer technology.

Examples of holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

The appeal is not just that these companies are large. It is that many of them have enormous customer bases, powerful balance sheets, and the ability to keep investing through different market cycles.

This ASX ETF may not be low volatility, but it gives investors a simple way to back some of the world's most influential growth companies.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF takes a very different approach.

This fund is not trying to own every famous company in the market. It is looking for US businesses with sustainable competitive advantages that are trading at attractive prices.

That could mean strong brands, hard-to-copy networks, valuable intellectual property, cost advantages, or customer relationships that are difficult to break.

Holdings currently include Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) and NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI).

Great businesses can still be poor investments if investors pay too much. But by combining quality with valuation, this ASX ETF gives investors a more selective way to invest in the US market.

It could suit investors who want global growth exposure, but with a filter that looks beyond size and popularity.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is the most familiar option on this list.

It gives investors broad exposure to Australian shares by tracking the S&P/ASX 300 Index.

That means owning a slice of the banks, miners, healthcare companies, retailers, property groups, infrastructure businesses, and industrials that drive the local market.

Examples of holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

The fund's role in a portfolio is straightforward. It gives investors low-cost local diversification, exposure to Australian dividends, and a way to participate in the performance of the broader share market.

This ASX ETF could work well beside international funds, giving a portfolio both home-market exposure and a connection to the Australian economy.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETFs I'd buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Berkshire Hathaway has invested in a variety of industries over the years, including railroads, banks, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), insurance, oil and gas, soft drink, and so on. There's nothing to say that Berkshire Hathaway wouldn't be open to buying shares in a biotech company.

Let's look at what Warren Buffett might think of CSL shares.

Is CSL a wonderful company?

There have been few businesses on the ASX that have expanded as much internationally as CSL over the last 20 years. It has been a great Australian success story.

However, the CSL share price has suffered a big decline in the past year, falling by around 50%. The market doesn't seem to think as much of the business as before.

Are the current difficult conditions CSL is facing temporary or is this now a permanent, lower growth environment for the company? You'd need a crystal ball to truly know the answer to that question.

But, when it comes to market confidence, Warren Buffett has said some potentially very useful advice in the past. For example, he has said generally about markets:

Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.

By that logic, investors may have been too fearful about the CSL share price earlier this year. But the CSL share price has risen by around 33% since the 2026 low in June – it's not as cheap as it was, even though it has fallen heavily over the longer term.

Warren Buffett has also suggested that it's better to buy a wonderful company at a fair price than a fair company at a wonderful price.

Before 2025, I think most investors would have been happy to describe CSL as a wonderful company with its ability to grow its core business, create new products with research and development (R&D), and deliver rising profit.

Is CSL still a wonderful company? The market doesn't seem convinced.

Warren Buffett's Circle of competence

For me, what could be the deciding factor in whether Warren Buffett would buy CSL shares is what he likes to call a circle of competence.

In other words, he only invests in businesses that he understands. That's why he famously avoided various technology businesses over the years. It's important to understand the potential gains, the competitive pressures and risks.

I think that same investment thought process would mean Buffett would be hesitant to invest in CSL – biotechnology is a difficult industry to understand, and it may be challenging to get to grips with how the research and development (R&D) pipeline could play out and what the financial rewards could be. Therefore, there are other ASX shares that I think Warren Buffett would be more interested in.

The post Would Warren Buffett buy CSL shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some of the world's strongest businesses are listed offshore, and ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can make them easy to access in a single trade.

That can be useful for investors wanting exposure to global technology, US market leaders, and high-quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages.

Here are three world-class ETFs that could be worth a closer look.

Global X Fang+ ETF (ASX: FANG)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Global X Fang+ ETF.

This fund gives investors exposure to a concentrated group of global technology and innovation leaders. Its holdings include companies such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

NVIDIA is a particularly interesting example. The company has become one of the most important businesses in the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, with its graphics processing units powering data centres, AI models, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance computing.

It is concentrated and can be volatile when technology valuations come under pressure. But for investors wanting exposure to some of the world's most influential digital companies, the Global X Fang+ ETF offers a simple way to own a basket of global names that are shaping how people work, shop, stream, communicate, and use AI.

iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)

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

This fund tracks the S&P 500, giving Australian investors exposure to many of the largest listed companies in the United States. Its holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).

Microsoft is a good example of the quality inside the index. The company has built a powerful position across enterprise software, cloud computing, productivity tools, gaming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

Its Azure cloud platform gives it exposure to growing demand for digital infrastructure, while products such as Office, Teams, and Dynamics remain deeply embedded in businesses around the world.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF is broader than a pure technology fund. It includes healthcare, financials, consumer companies, industrials, and communication services. That makes it a straightforward option for investors wanting diversified exposure to corporate America.

VanEck Morningstar International Wide Moat ETF (ASX: GOAT)

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

This fund focuses on international companies that have sustainable competitive advantages. Its holdings change periodically but currently include Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), Etsy (NYSE: ETSY), and Dassault Systemes (FRA: DSY).

Novo Nordisk shows why that moat approach can be powerful. The Danish healthcare giant has built a leading position in diabetes and obesity treatments, with strong brands, deep scientific expertise, and significant global demand for its medicines.

Healthcare businesses with strong intellectual property, regulatory experience, and trusted products can be difficult to displace. That can support pricing power and long-term earnings resilience.

For investors wanting exposure to high-quality international companies with strong advantages, this fund could be a strong long-term option.

The post 3 world-class ETFs for Australian investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Even if you have never invested in the likes of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) or Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN), chances are you have used their products or services, probably recently. Ditto with Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: META) and Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL). Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA) and NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) are a little more niche. Even so, these last two of the seven are still household names, and possibly household presences.

Despite the ubiquity of the Magnificent 7 in Australian daily life, far fewer Australians would own shares of them directly. Saying that, international stock market investing has never been more popular in Australia. If an investor does own international stocks, there is a high chance that at least one of them will be a Mag 7 stock.

Personally, I directly own shares in five of the Magnificent 7. In fact, I have owned all seven of these ocmpaneis at various points (although never simultaneously).

Until quite recently, I thought of these positions as a small, although valuable portion of my overall portfolio. However, after a recent audit, I have discovered that I am far more invested in these seven stocks than I previously supposed.

The dominance of the Magnificent 7 stocks

It starts with an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that I own. As I have previously discussed, I recently sold my holdings in the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (AS:X NDQ) to buy a similar, but far cheaper ETF in the Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (NYSE: SCHG).

All seven of the Magnificent 7 are core holdings of this fund. As they are in almost every major US-based ETF listed on the ASX. That includes the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) and the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). Not to mention NDQ. Magnificent 7 stocks also sometimes pop up in the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE: SCHD) and the iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSE: DGRO), which are also in my portfolio.

So that's three.

Next, one of my largest investments is the listed investment company (LIC) MFF Capital Investments Ltd (ASX: MFF). This Buffett-esque LIC is a long-term holding of mine, and a favourite investment. As it happens, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta Platforms are all large positions in MFF's portfolio. That's four.

These components routinely pop up in yet another of my favourite, long-term holdings. That would be the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT). That's five major personal investments that are exposed to at least one Mag 7 stock. Outside my direct ownership of five of the Magnificent 7 stocks.

Don't forget about your superannuation

The cherry on the cake comes in the form of my superannuation fund. Like most Australians, my super is partially invested in US stocks. And the Magnificent 7 are at the top of that list, too.

As it turns out, these seven US tech titans are far heavier in my portfolio and my overall wealth than I had previously thought.

I do view most of the Magnificent 7 as companies of the highest calibre. You don't get to where they are now without being truly exceptional. As such, this high exposure doesn't bother me.

However, there's a big chance that other ASX investors out there are in the same boat. Thus, it may be worth checking out your own investments and seeing just how deep the Mag 7 goes. My exposure tolerance to these seven stocks may be higher than yours.

The post ASX investors: Are you overinvested in the Magnificent 7 without knowing it? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Although Buffett may have vacated the CEO chair at Berkshire, he remains at the company as chairman and oracle. Even so, Berkshire's first 13F filing of 2026 is also the first that covers the tenure of new CEO Greg Abel.

As we discussed earlier this afternoon, Abel has certainly put his stamp on the Berkshire portfolio, with several notable buys. The most dramatic of these was a tripling-down of its Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOG)(NASDAQ: GOOGL) position, making it Berkshire's fifth-largest investment.

We've already been through Berkshire's stock purchases today, though, so let's get to the stocks that the company was selling over the first three months of 2026.

What stocks did Berkshire sell last quarter?

Long-time Berkshire watchers might be shocked to hear that the company sold positions in no fewer than 20 companies over the three months to 31 March. 14 of those 20 positions were closed out entirely.

Here are the stocks that Berkshire no longer owns:

• Atlanta Braves Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: BATRK)
• Liberty Latin America Ltd (NASDAQ: LILA)(NASDAQ: LILAK)
• Diageo plc (NYSE: DEO)
• Allegion plc (NYSE: ALLE)
• Lamar Advertising Co (NASDAQ: LAMR)
• Charter Communications Inc (NASDAQ: CHTR)
• Formula One Group (NASDAQ: FWONK)
• Heico Corp (NYSE: HEI)
• Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN)
• Pool Corp (NASDAQ: POOL)
• Domino's Pizza Inc (NASDAQ: DPZ)
• UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE: UNH)
• Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA)
• Visa Inc (NYSE: V)

These are the stocks that Berkshire reduced its holdings of, but didn't sell down entirely:

• Liberty Live Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: LLYVK)
• Bank of America Corp (NYSE: BAC)
• Davita Inc (NYSE: DVA)
• Nucor Corp (NYSE: NUE)
• Contellation Brands Inc (NYSE: STZ)
• Chevron Corp (NYSE: CVX)

What should we take from these sells?

Some very interesting names there indeed. Perhaps the most shocking sell-offs to note are the household names Amazon, Visa and Mastercard. These have been in Berkshire's portfolio for a few years, and Buffett himself has sung the praises of all three businesses. It will be interesting to hear Abel explain these sales.

Chevron, another long-term Berkshire holding, is also notable. This oil stock was Berkshire's largest sale of the quarter, with the company offloading almost US$10 billion worth of Chevron (35.2% of its stake). Contellation Brands (an alcoholic beverage manufacturer famous for its Corona label) was also notable, with Berkshire selling 95.1% of its position. It is curious why the other 4.9% remains on the company's books.

It was also interesting to see that Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Berkshire's largest position that has been reduced almost every quarter in recent years, was left untouched.

Berkshire Hathaway was a net seller over the quarter, with the sheer number of portfolio cuts and shaves outweighing the buys, and the huge Alphabet purchase in particular. It seems that Greg Abel isn't afraid to shake things up.

The post Berkshire Hathaway just sold these stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some offer exposure to artificial intelligence. Others focus on cybersecurity, defence, dividends, or emerging markets.

But if I had to choose just one ETF to buy and hold for the next decade, I would keep things simple.

My pick would likely be the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

Why this ASX ETF stands out

This popular fund gives investors exposure to a large portfolio of international shares across developed markets.

That includes companies listed in the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and other major global economies. In one ASX trade, investors can access over one thousand businesses across many sectors.

The Australian share market is relatively concentrated. Banks and resources companies make up a large part of the local index, which can leave investors heavily exposed to a small number of sectors.

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF helps solve that problem.

Its holdings include global leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), as well as companies across healthcare, consumer goods, financials, industrials, and communications.

A simple way to go global

The strength of this ASX ETF is that investors do not need to predict which country or sector will win over the next 10 years.

If US technology companies continue to dominate, this fund has exposure to them. If European healthcare or Japanese industrial companies perform well, the fund has exposure there too.

That broad reach makes it useful as a long-term holding.

It is also a much simpler approach than trying to buy individual overseas shares, manage currency conversions, or follow dozens of offshore companies.

Why I'd hold it for a decade

A 10-year holding period rewards patience and diversification.

There will almost certainly be market falls along the way. Some regions will disappoint. Some sectors will go through weak periods. But a fund like the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF spreads risk across a wide range of companies and economies.

But it is worth remembering that this does not make it a risk-free investment. Share markets can be volatile, and international shares will move with global conditions.

But for investors wanting a straightforward way to participate in global growth, this ASX ETF is hard to overlook.

It offers scale, diversification, global market exposure, and a simple structure. That combination is why, if I could buy only one ASX ETF for the next decade, it would be very high on my list.

The post If I could buy only one ASX ETF for the next 10 years, this could be it appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It is one of the simplest ways for Australian investors to access the US share market.

Rather than trying to pick individual American stocks, this exchange traded fund (ETF) gives investors exposure to the S&P 500 index through a single trade.

Here are three reasons why it could be worth buying and holding for the long term.

IVV ETF provides exposure to world-class companies

The first reason to consider the fund is the quality of the businesses inside the fund.

The S&P 500 is home to many of the largest and most influential companies in the world. These are businesses with global brands, deep customer bases, strong balance sheets, and major positions in their industries.

Its holdings include names such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B).

This gives investors access to companies across technology, healthcare, financials, industrials, consumer goods, and more. It is not a bet on one sector or one theme. It is exposure to a broad group of companies that help drive the US economy.

For investors wanting simple global exposure, it remains one of the cleanest options on the ASX.

It has a strong long-term track record

Another reason to buy and hold the iShares S&P 500 ETF is the long-term performance of the market it tracks.

The S&P 500 index has delivered an average annual return of around 10% over the past century. That period has included wars, recessions, inflation shocks, market crashes, banking crises, and a global pandemic.

Despite all of that, the index has continued to rise over time.

This does not mean returns will be smooth. They never are. There will be periods when the IVV ETF falls sharply, sometimes for months or even years.

But the long-term lesson is clear. Investors who stay invested through difficult periods have historically been rewarded for their patience.

That makes the fund a strong option for those who want to benefit from long-term compounding without constantly trading in and out of the market.

It keeps investing simple

A third reason to like the IVV ETF is its simplicity.

Investing can quickly become complicated when trying to choose individual shares, time the market, or respond to every piece of economic news.

This ASX ETF removes a lot of that pressure. It gives investors diversified exposure to 500 large US companies in a single investment.

That can make it easier to stay consistent. Investors can add to the fund over time, reinvest distributions, and let the underlying companies do the work.

The low-cost structure also helps. Over long periods, keeping fees down can make a meaningful difference to total returns.

For investors who want a straightforward way to build wealth over time, the iShares S&P 500 ETF has plenty of appeal as a long-term holding.

The post 3 reasons to buy and hold the IVV ETF forever appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

While most ASX shares and exchange traded funds (ETFs) pay dividends a couple of times a year, a small number are structured to provide income on a monthly basis.

Here are two ASX ETFs that follow this approach and could be worth considering if you're an income investor:

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

The first ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF.

This ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of 50 Australian shares with high forecast dividend yields. It also applies screening to reduce the risk of including companies with unsustainable payouts.

Its holdings include companies such as mining giant BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and big four banks Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ).

The Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF distributes income monthly, which sets it apart from many other Australian equity ETFs. This structure can provide a more regular cash flow for investors.

Furthermore, its broad exposure to dividend-paying ASX shares provides diversification, which is never a bad thing.

Betashares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Complex ETF (ASX: UMAX)

Another ASX ETF to consider is the Betashares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Complex ETF.

This ETF is very different to the Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF. It focuses on generating income from a portfolio linked to the S&P 500 index.

However, instead of relying on dividends, it uses an options-based strategy, typically selling call options over the underlying portfolio to generate income. The premiums received from these options form a key part of the fund's monthly distributions.

This ultimately means that the income generated is expected to significantly exceed the dividend yield of the underlying share portfolio over the medium term. For example, at present, it trades with an above-average dividend yield of 6.6%. This is significantly greater than the average dividend yield of the S&P 500 index.

Its underlying exposure includes major US stocks such as iPhone maker Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), software giant Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT), and ecommerce and cloud leader Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN).

It is worth noting that unlike the Betashares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF, which could generate capital gains as well as income, the Betashares S&P 500 Yield Maximiser Complex ETF's strategies may limit some capital growth.

The post How to generate monthly income using 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.

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

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

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

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

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

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

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

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

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

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

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

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

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

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's well worth taking a moment, at least in my completely unbiased opinion, to dive into yesterday's piece. But if you want the 'tldr' version, stagflation refers to the phenomenon where an economy experiences persistently high inflation at the same time as it suffers from stagnant or falling economic growth and rising unemployment. Stagnant growth plus sticky inflation equals stagflation.

Historically, periods of stagflation have been rare occurrences across the advanced economies of the world. The last major stagflationary period occurred in the 1970s, and was sparked by a series of oil shocks. It doesn't take a lot of imagination to work out why investors are again worried about stagflation in 2026.

So if Australia and other major economies of the world do enter a period of stagflation, what does this mean for investors? That's what we'll be talking about today.

Rising prices, stagnant growth

Stagflation represents a double-whammy of risk to ASX stocks. Companies have to manage a low-growth economy that may see rising unemployment, potentially high interest rates, and depressed consumer confidence. At the same time, they must manage the impact of sticky inflation and perpetually rising costs. It's the exact opposite of what we could describe as ideal business conditions.

Under a stagnation-riven economy, most businesses will suffer, and only the companies of the highest calibre will manage to consistently compound their revenues and profits. It's these businesses that ASX investors should focus on identifying and investing in.

Fortunately, we already know the playbook that is best employed here. It comes from none other than legendary investor Warren Buffett. Buffett has long touted the benefits of investing in companies that possess a wide economic moat. This term, which Buffett himself coined, refers to an intrinsic competitive advantage that a company can possess, which helps it ward off both competition and destructive economic forces.

This could come in the form of a strong, loyalty-commanding brand, a low-cost advantage of production, or making a good or service that customers find difficult to avoid buying. Most of the companies that Buffett invested in at Berkshire Hathaway, including Coca-Cola, Apple and American Express, possessed at least one of these characteristics.

Its these companies that, at leas tin my view, are best positioned to survive, and even thrive, in a stagflationary economy.

Stagflation stock picks?

ASX investors might wish to take a look at the holdings of the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT), or the ETF itself, for some ideas in this vein. I would also argue that many of the ASX's top blue chips how clear signs of possessing at least one wide economic moat. These could include Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), Transurban Group (ASX: TCL), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).

Saying that, finding a wide-moat ASX stock is not the end-game. Investors also need to buy shares of these stocks at prices that make sense. And that is certainly easier said than done.

The post Stagflation: How to position an ASX stock portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some of the most exciting opportunities in the market today are being driven by global technology, automation, and cybersecurity trends. The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to access these themes in a single trade.

Here are five ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that could add serious growth potential is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, a region that continues to digitise rapidly.

Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

What makes this fund compelling is its exposure to markets that are still in earlier stages of digital adoption compared to the US, which could translate into strong long-term growth.

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

Another ASX ETF that could boost returns is the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This ETF targets companies at the forefront of automation and AI, industries that are transforming how businesses operate.

Key holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and Keyence.

Rather than focusing on a single niche, this ETF spreads exposure across multiple applications of AI and robotics, giving it a broad growth runway. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

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

A third ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund provides exposure to Australia's leading technology companies, offering a way to back local innovation.

Its holdings include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

This ETF gives investors access to businesses that are growing both domestically and internationally, with scalable models and strong long-term potential. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Another ASX ETF that could strengthen a portfolio is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

It focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and competitive advantages.

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

This focus on quality helps balance out more aggressive growth exposures, providing a layer of resilience while still offering solid long-term returns. It was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A fifth ASX ETF that could round out a portfolio is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

This fund targets companies involved in cybersecurity, an area that is becoming increasingly critical as digital threats continue to rise.

Key holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS).

As businesses and governments invest more heavily in protecting data and systems, demand for cybersecurity solutions is expected to grow.

The post 5 ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.