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.

This has evolved from direct exposure through AI companies to the infrastructure that supports AI rather than in AI software itself.

The AI revolution and the ASX 

Because Australia has relatively few direct AI leaders comparable to Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) or Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), investors have focused on:

• Data-centre operators
• Electricity generators and infrastructure companies
• Mining companies with exposure to commodities needed to build and power data centres, particularly copper and uranium. 

ASX investors have also turned to thematic ASX ETFs that target these companies. 

Overall, the ASX AI investment strategy has increasingly become a "picks and shovels" approach: rather than trying to identify Australia's next major AI software company, investors are targeting the physical infrastructure and resources needed to power and expand the global AI boom.

Adrad Holdings Ltd (ASX: AHL) has been identified as a potential beneficiary of the AI boom.

Company overview

Adrad is an Australian-based business specialising in the design, manufacture, importation and distribution of heat transfer solutions for the automotive and industrial markets in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Its stock price has risen over 50% year to date. 

Its strong rise in 2026 is closely connected to AI/data-centre infrastructure, but there is more to the story. AHL has exposure to the growing need for cooling systems for data centres, as well as mining, power generation and other heavy-industry applications.

Big upside for this ASX stock 

A fresh report from the team at Bell Potter suggests this ASX stock could be a long-term beneficiary of the AI boom. 

Bell Potter is increasingly positive on Adrad because of its exposure to the rapidly growing data-centre and AI infrastructure market. 

The company has responded to growing demand by doubling its Australian data-centre capacity and expanding manufacturing in Thailand, with the additional capacity already generating new customer orders. 

Bell Potter therefore expects this data-centre investment to support Adrad's revenue and earnings growth over the medium term. 

While its FY27 forecasts remain unchanged, Bell Potter has upgraded its FY28 and FY29 expectations, increasing revenue forecasts by 3% and 5% and EPS forecasts by 9% and 13%, respectively. 

It now expects mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth and mid-to-high teens EPS growth in FY28 and FY29, respectively.

The broker has a buy recommendation on this ASX stock as well as an upgraded price target of $1.80 (previously $1.40). 

From yesterday's closing price, this indicates approximately 14% upside. 

The post This ASX stock could be a surprise winner of the AI boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

At the very top end, fortunes can rise or fall by tens of billions of dollars in the space of a month as share prices and company valuations move around.

So, who sits at the top of the pile right now?

According to Forbes, these are the 10 richest people in the world as of 1 September 2026.

1. Elon Musk – US$892 billion

Elon Musk remains comfortably on top with an estimated fortune of US$892 billion.

His wealth is largely tied to SpaceX (NASDAQ: SPCX) and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA). Forbes estimates that his fortune jumped by US$202 billion during August as both companies increased in value. To put this wealth into context, Australia's largest bank, Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), has a market capitalisation of around A$270 billion.

2. Larry Page – US$277 billion

Google co-founder Larry Page is second with US$277 billion.

Much of his wealth comes from his holding in Google parent Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL), where he remains a board member and controlling shareholder.

3. Jeff Bezos – US$268 billion

Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) founder Jeff Bezos sits in third place with US$268 billion.

Bezos remains Amazon's executive chairman and owns around 8% of the ecommerce and cloud computing giant.

4. Sergey Brin – US$256 billion

Fellow Google co-founder Sergey Brin is worth an estimated US$256 billion.

Like Page, his fortune is closely linked to Alphabet. Forbes notes that Brin has also become more involved with the company's artificial intelligence efforts.

5. Michael Dell – US$241 billion

Michael Dell has built a US$241 billion fortune.

He founded Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) as a teenager and remains its chairman and CEO.

6. Mark Zuckerberg – US$197 billion

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg is sixth with US$197 billion.

He still owns approximately 13% of the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

7. Larry Ellison – US$193 billion

Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) co-founder Larry Ellison is worth US$193 billion according to Forbes.

His fortune increased by US$25 billion during August, helping him move back up the rankings.

8. Jensen Huang – US$191 billion

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang has an estimated US$191 billion fortune.

His rise has been driven by Nvidia's extraordinary growth as its chips have become central to the artificial intelligence boom.

9. Steve Ballmer – US$155 billion

Former Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) CEO Steve Ballmer is back in the top 10 with US$155 billion.

Forbes notes that Ballmer has retained a significant Microsoft shareholding since leaving the company.

10. Amancio Ortega – US$148 billion

Finally, Zara co-founder Amancio Ortega has an estimated fortune of US$148 billion.

He owns around 60% of Zara parent Inditex (BME: ITX), with his wealth also reportedly spread across a substantial global property portfolio.

The post These are the 10 richest people in the world in September appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

For example, there is no ASX-listed Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA)

That does not mean Australian investors are locked out.

How to buy AI shares on the ASX

There are three sensible routes.

You can own the infrastructure that artificial intelligence runs on, you can own a business using the technology to widen its own moat, or you can buy a global fund listed here.

Each carries a different risk, and the mistake most investors make is treating them as interchangeable.

The infrastructure AI shares

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) is the purest local play on computing demand.

The company's FY26 result delivered net revenue of $405.0 million, up 16%, and underlying EBITDA of $248.8 million.

The number that really matters is contracted utilisation, which more than tripled to 740.1 megawatts against built capacity of just 288 megawatts.

Hyperscale and artificial intelligence workloads now account for 95% of contracted megawatts.

FY27 guidance is for revenue of $615 million to $640 million.

The risk is written into the same document.

Capital expenditure guidance for FY27 was between $5.25 billion to $5.75 billion, against a market capitalisation of $10.49 billion.

NextDC shares closed Monday at $13.23 and have fallen 19.66% over twelve months.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) is the larger and steadier version of the same theme.

Its FY26 operating profit rose 15.7% to $2,675 million, with operating earnings per security up 10.1% to 129.9 cents.

Data centres are now roughly $15.4 billion of work in progress, or 78% of the total.

The group controls a global power bank of 6.4 gigawatts across 16 cities, with management guiding to 9% operating earnings per security growth in FY27.

The AI shares that use the technology

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) is not usually filed under artificial intelligence, but it probably should be.

Its Visage platform is where radiology algorithms have to run, and FY26 revenue grew 28.4% to $261.7 million on an underlying EBIT margin of 74.9%.

The company signed $407 million of new contracts across ten deals and retained 100% of renewals at higher fees.

Forward contracted revenue now stands at $1.34 billion over five years.

The stock's valuation is the primary argument against it.

Pro Medicus trades on a price-to-earnings ratio of 72 at $176.42, and the shares have still fallen 40.99% over the past year.

That fall tells you how brutally the market punishes any wobble in a stock priced this way.

The simplest option of all

Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI) solves the geography problem in a single trade, and is the fastest way to add AI shares exposure to an Australian portfolio.

The ETF tracks the Indxx Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index across more than 100 companies, with Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) among its largest weights.

The ETF's management fee is 0.57% a year, and the fund held roughly $271 million in assets as at 28 August 2026.

Foolish takeaway

I would not build a portfolio out of only one of these shares and ETFs.

NextDC gives you the cleanest exposure and carries the heaviest capital risk.

Goodman offers the same theme inside an ASX 200 business that actually pays a distribution.

Pro Medicus is the highest quality of the three and comfortably the most expensive.

For most investors, a global ETF alongside one or two local names is the best way to own AI shares while limiting downside risk.

The post Want to invest in AI shares? Here's how to do it on the ASX 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.

Our local Aussie index is dominated by banks, miners and supermarkets.

But that does not mean there are no opportunities. What it does mean is that we need to look at the plumbing and the applications driving AI rather than the AI chips themselves.

The Motley Fool has previously covered how to invest in artificial intelligence locally.

Here are three ASX companies I think give you strong exposure to the AI theme.

Why ASX AI stocks look different to Wall Street

Australia does not manufacture semiconductors.

What we do have is land, power and regulated demand for sovereign data storage, and that has turned the local artificial intelligence trade into an infrastructure trade first and a software trade second.

NextDC: the purest infrastructure play

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) builds and operates the data centres that artificial intelligence workloads run inside.

The company's scale is now hard to ignore.

In an April update, contracted utilisation reached 667MW as at 31 March 2026, a 60% increase, while the forward order book jumped 83% to 544MW.

Contracted earnings from existing agreements now exceed $1 billion.

Chief executive Craig Scroggie did not undersell the shift:

The scale of this increase in contracted utilisation and the resulting uplift in the Company's pro forma Forward Order Book are unprecedented, underscoring the record levels of demand we continue to experience.

The catch is cost.

NextDC guided to FY26 capital expenditure of $2.7 billion to $3.0 billion with roughly $5 billion forecast for FY27, and it funded part of that through a $1.5 billion entitlement offer priced at $12.70 per share.

Investors are still debating whether the AI boom is only getting started for NextDC shares.

The company reports its FY26 result on 27 August.

Pro Medicus: one of the few profitable AI stocks

Pro Medicus Ltd (ASX: PME) sells medical imaging software to United States hospital networks.

Its FY26 result delivered revenue of $261.7 million, up 22.9%, while underlying net profit after tax rose 24.1% to $144.7 million.

The underlying earnings before interest and tax margin reached 74.9%.

Dividends climbed 25.5% to 69 cents per share fully franked, and the company signed 10 new contracts worth at least $407 million.

Chief executive Sam Hupert framed the AI opportunity in terms of access:

We are the gatekeeper for image-based AI to now 11% of the market in the U.S. and growing.

That gatekeeper position represents the premium the market pays for.

Shares jumped more than 10% on results day, although they remain down roughly 11% for the calendar year.

Macquarie Technology: the small-cap option

Macquarie Technology Group Ltd (ASX: MAQ) runs data centres, cloud and cybersecurity services for government and corporate customers.

The company is a fraction of NextDC's size, with a market capitalisation of roughly $1.6 billion.

The company delivered its 22nd consecutive half of EBITDA growth in the first half of FY26, with EBITDA of $57.9 million and full-year guidance of $114 million to $117 million.

Its IC3 Super West facility in Sydney is the real prize.

Phase one delivers 6MW, with a pathway to 19MW and an option over a Sydney campus site above 150MW.

Macquarie Technology also reports on 27 August.

The risks with ASX AI stocks

None of these businesses is cheap.

Pro Medicus trades on a price-to-earnings ratio near 88, which leaves no margin at all for a missed contract or a slower implementation schedule.

NextDC has never reported a statutory profit, and its capital intensity means further raisings are possible.

Macquarie Technology is small, thinly traded and spending heavily ahead of revenue.

Buying AI stocks means accepting that the market has already priced in a great deal of future growth.

Foolish takeaway

I would not put an entire portfolio into this single theme.

But a modest allocation across infrastructure and applications gives you two very different ways to win, because the companies building the capacity and the companies monetising it rarely peak at the same moment.

NextDC and Macquarie Technology sell the shovels.

Pro Medicus sells the software that makes the data useful.

For investors who want exposure to AI stocks without leaving the ASX, that is where I would start.

The post Investing in AI stocks on the ASX? Here's what you should buy 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.

The software giant reported revenue of US$90 billion for the June quarter, up 18% year over year.

Net income climbed 31% to US$35.8 billion.

Microsoft Cloud revenue reached US$59.3 billion, a 27% increase, while Azure growth accelerated to 43% from 40% in the prior quarter.

So what does any of this have to do with the Australian share market?

The answer runs through the physical infrastructure that every hyperscaler has to use.

What Microsoft actually reported

In the case of Microsoft, the headline number that matters most for ASX investors is not revenue at all. It is capital expenditure.

Microsoft spent US$41 billion on capex and finance leases in the June quarter alone, a jump of roughly 69% year over year.

The company expects to spend more than US$50 billion in the September quarter.

Chief financial officer Amy Hood told analysts:

We expect FY27 capital expenditures will grow year-over-year given demand signals across our portfolio.

Commercial remaining performance obligations, effectively contracted revenue not yet recognised, jumped 84% to US$678 billion.

Azure passed US$100 billion in annual revenue for the first time, and Microsoft 365 Copilot surpassed 30 million paid seats.

What Microsoft's capex bill means for ASX shares

Hyperscaler capital expenditure has to land somewhere physical.

It funds buildings, power connections, cooling systems, and fibre.

That is the demand curve two ASX 200 shares sit directly on, and both have re-rated hard on the thesis over the past year.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) is the local pure-play data centre operator.

The company is carrying roughly $5 billion of forecast FY27 capital expenditure to build out capacity for AI workloads.

A recent agreement with a frontier AI lab underlined its ability to win the largest contracts on offer.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG) plays a different role in the same story.

Data centres now account for 73% of its development pipeline, which was on track to reach $18 billion by June 2026.

Its edge is a secured power bank of 6.4 gigawatts across 16 cities, assembled over years, and difficult for a newcomer to replicate.

Securing grid connections has become the real bottleneck in this industry, and Goodman has positioned itself very nicely to benefit from this need.

Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) sits in the middle, providing the connectivity layer between enterprise customers and platforms like Azure.

Data#3 and the direct Microsoft earnings link

Data#3 Ltd (ASX: DTL) has the most literal exposure of the group.

The company resells Microsoft licences, Azure capacity, and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Australian enterprise and government customers.

That is a double-edged relationship.

Data#3 grew first-half FY26 gross sales 9.2% to $1.5 billion, with net profit before tax up 4.5% to $33.5 million.

But margins in its Software Solutions division were squeezed by changes to Microsoft's partner incentive program.

Management does not expect those vendor changes to materially dent the group's FY26 numbers.

Rising Azure consumption is a tailwind for volumes, while vendor concentration remains the standing risk.

Data#3 reports its FY26 result in August, and investors will want to see whether the incentive headwind has washed through.

Foolish Takeaway for Microsoft earnings

Microsoft's earnings were a reminder that AI infrastructure spending is still accelerating rather than plateauing.

For NextDC and Goodman Group, that spending is effectively the whole thesis.

For Data#3, the benefits are more nuanced, since the same vendor that drives its growth also sets its margins.

The obvious risk is that hyperscalers eventually decide the returns do not justify the capital outlay.

Alphabet recent capex guidance was met with a sharp share price fall, which shows the market's patience is not infinite.

For now, though, the money is still being committed, and Australian infrastructure is on the receiving end.

The post What do Microsoft's strong earnings mean for these ASX shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It shows the habit is already there. The money is invested, the balance has substance, and compounding has something to work with.

The next challenge is turning that foundation into something much larger.

I think there are three practical ways to help close the gap to $500,000.

Make future income do more of the work

The first way is to stop thinking only about the money already saved.

A $100,000 starting balance is a strong foundation, but there is still work to be done, and your salary will be key.

That could mean salary sacrifice into superannuation, making extra personal contributions where appropriate, or increasing contributions each time your income rises.

I like this approach because it avoids relying entirely on market returns. The portfolio still needs to grow, but regular contributions give compounding more capital to work with.

Even modest extra contributions can build momentum over time.

For example, someone who adds money every month is doing more than increasing the balance. They are buying more assets, collecting more future dividends or distributions, and giving themselves a larger base for long-term growth.

The mistake I would try to avoid is waiting until there is a large amount left over at the end of the year. Retirement savings often grow best when contributions become automatic and boring.

That may not sound exciting, but it can be key.

Own enough growth

The second way is to make sure the money is invested with enough long-term growth potential.

A portfolio that is too conservative may feel comfortable, but it can make the journey from $100,000 to $500,000 much harder.

For investors with enough time before retirement, I think growth assets need to do a lot of the work.

That could include ASX shares, international shares, and diversified funds or ETFs inside a super fund or personal portfolio. This could include ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), or the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS).

The key is not just owning shares for the sake of it. I would want exposure to businesses that can grow earnings, reinvest, raise dividends, and benefit from long-term trends.

Broad ETFs can help here because they spread money across many companies and industries. Quality ASX shares can also play a role, especially businesses with strong market positions and the ability to compound over time.

The difference over long periods can be significant.

At 8% per year, $100,000 would grow to around $466,000 over 20 years before fees and tax, even without adding anything else.

That is close to the $500,000 target. Add regular contributions along the way, and the target becomes much more achievable.

Stop small leaks from becoming big problems

The third way is less exciting, but I think it is underrated.

Investors should watch the small leaks that quietly slow retirement savings down.

That can include high fees, duplicate accounts, unnecessary insurance inside super, poor cash holdings, weak investment options, or switching strategies too often.

None of these may look material in one year. But over 10, 20, or 30 years, they can make a meaningful difference.

I would also pay attention to behaviour. Selling during downturns, chasing last year's strongest performer, or constantly changing funds can break the compounding process. Sometimes the best decision is to choose a sensible strategy and give it enough time to work.

This is where retirement savings can become a bit like a business. Revenue comes from contributions, growth comes from investment returns, and costs come from fees, tax, and mistakes.

The aim is to widen the gap between what is being added and what is being lost.

Foolish takeaway

Getting from $100,000 to $500,000 in retirement savings comes from combining three things: steady contributions, enough growth exposure, and fewer leaks along the way.

The journey may take time, and markets will not move smoothly. But a $100,000 starting point already gives investors something meaningful to build on. With the right habits and a long-term mindset, that balance can become a much larger retirement nest egg.

The post 3 ways to get from $100,000 to $500,000 in retirement savings appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

However, as so many of us are invested in both markets, it's relevant to compare their performance over a given period.

So, let's canvas what happened in the Australian financial year (FY26) from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026.

Let's compare…

S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares increased 2.77% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 7% in FY26. 

The S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO) rose 2.43% and provided total returns of 5.69%, according to S&P Global data.

By comparison, the S&P 500 Index (SP: INX) rose by 20.86% and delivered total returns of 22.32%.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) ascended 28.69% and gave a total return of 30.55%.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJX: .DJI) rose 18.65% and delivered a total return of 20.65%.

Why did US stocks outperform ASX 200 shares?

Drew Meredith from Wattle Partners says it comes down to America's leading position in the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

In an article in The Golden Times, Meredith explained:

The United States market is being driven by a small number of companies with outsized earnings power, almost all tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon have delivered earnings growth that justifies, at least in part, the premium valuations US indices now carry.

Meanwhile, ASX 200 shares struggled to grow in FY26 amid resurgent inflation, three interest rate hikes in February, March, and May (reversing the impact of one cut in August), the energy crisis, and weak consumer confidence.

On top of that, fears of an AI bubble and a SaaSpocalypse weighed on our tech sector, which dove 37% in FY26.

ASX 200 healthcare shares also tumbled 37% amid many industry challenges, including a weaker US currency impacting global players.

Meredith says the Federal Budget's CGT reform package, announced in May, has also weighed on financial shares and property, too.

Can the US markets keep delivering?

Shaun Manuell, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at AustralianSuper, isn't ready to call the top of the US stock market yet.

In the Weekend Australian, Manuell described US equities being in the "rational exuberance phase".

He said:

The retail investor is back in the US, and I think there's a lot of weight behind that.

When the US equity market gets going it's a very, very powerful engine. So, I wouldn't be calling the top of that just yet.

As for ASX 200 shares, Manuell is not optimistic for FY27.

It'll be another challenging year; you're going to have to be really careful in the sectors.

We know consumer sentiment's down, house prices are down, and that leads through to the wealth effect as well.

Manuell said AusSuper is "slightly overweight" US stocks, and underweight ASX shares compared to global stocks.

He likes ASX 200 mining shares but is underweight bank stocks.

Should you buy US stocks?

Meredith warns against 'recency bias' and any temptation investors may feel to switch out of ASX 200 shares in order to buy US stocks.

Meredith explains:

When one market dramatically outperforms another for two or three years, investors feel they were wrong to be diversified. That feeling is not evidence. It is recency bias.

The periods of sharpest US outperformance relative to global peers have consistently been followed by periods of mean reversion.

This happened after the dot-com peak in 2000. It happened in the early years after the GFC when US banks were recovering and Australian miners were printing money.

It does not happen on a schedule you can predict, which is precisely why systematic diversification matters more than tactical shifts.

Manuell says his team is eyeing off a recent pullback in the Magnificent Seven US stocks as a potential buying opportunity.

He also said he is more comfortable investing in the "picks and shovels" of the AI revolution, commenting:

Everyone's been playing the picks and shovels because they can see there's money to be made but this is just making the infrastructure.

Once we've got the infrastructure, what's going to happen? Nobody knows…

3-year snapshot of ASX 200 shares vs. US stocks

The post ASX 200 shares vs. US stocks in FY26 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Will the market be able to build on this on Wednesday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 to fall

The Australian share market looks set for a subdued day on Wednesday following a mixed night on Wall Street. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 20 points or 0.25% lower. In the United States, the Dow Jones rose 0.65%, but the S&P 500 fell 0.55% and the Nasdaq dropped 1.15%.

Oil prices continue to tumble

ASX 200 energy shares including Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) could have a poor session after oil prices tumbled overnight. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price is down 5.1% to US$76.66 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price is down 4.45% to US$79.47 a barrel. This follows reports that the US will allow Iran to sell oil immediately.

Buy Dexus Convenience shares

Bell Potter is bullish on Dexus Convenience Retail REIT (ASX: DXC) shares. This morning, the broker has named the REIT as a buy with a trimmed price target of $3.15 (from $3.25). It said: "We maintain our Buy rating on DXC and lower our target price to $3.15. The buyback and developments offer attractive long-term returns, despite the short-term headwinds from rising bond yields. With our revised forecasts DXC is yielding 7.9% vs. 6.4% passive REIT average which we think offers compelling risk adjusted value, and at an implied 8.21% cap rate, despite recent asset sales supporting book value."

Gold price edges higher

ASX 200 gold shares Newmont Corporation (ASX: NEM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) will be on watch on Wednesday after the gold price edged higher overnight. According to CNBC, the gold futures price is up 0.1% to US$4,353.3 an ounce. Easing interest rate hike bets have given the precious metal a boost.

SpaceX now bigger than Amazon

Space Exploration Technologies Corp (NASDAQ: SPCX) shares continued their post-IPO rise overnight on Wall Street. This has taken the space and AI company's shares to a market capitalisation of US$2.66 trillion, which takes it ahead of Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and within sight of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT).

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday 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.

Amazon Web Services will invest $20 billion in Australian data centres by 2029.

Microsoft went further, committing $25 billion to Australian AI and cloud infrastructure.

This is the largest single corporate technology investment in the Australia's history.

Yet three ASX-listed companies sitting directly in the path of that investment remain surprisingly under-owned by retail investors.

Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

The data centre story starts with land, power, and location.

Goodman Group controls all three.

The industrial property giant has transformed itself from a logistics warehouse owner into one of the most important data centre developer in the Asia-Pacific region.

Data centres now make up 73% of Goodman's development pipeline.

This is on track to reach $18 billion by June 2026, up from $14.5 billion at 31 March.

The company has assembled a power bank of 6.4 gigawatts across its global network, a resource that has become extraordinarily difficult to replicate as power access emerges as the key constraint on data centre expansion worldwide.

Morgans this week retained its buy rating on Goodman with a $36 price target, highlighting that its work in progress is expected to be ahead of consensus forecasts at the end of June.

Crucially, Morgans noted that management believes industry data centre capital expenditure requirements likely exceed global capital market funding capacity.

This view points to a sustained period of pricing power for those who already hold secured power, sites, and locked-in capital partners.

Goodman is positioned beautifully here.

NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT)

If Goodman builds the shells, NextDC Ltd operates what goes inside them.

The company is Australia's largest independent data centre operator, providing colocation, cloud connectivity, and managed services to enterprises, cloud providers, and government agencies across 14 facilities nationally.

In the first half of FY2026, NextDC reported net revenue growth of 13% to $189.2 million, with contracted utilisation surging 137% to 416.6MW and a forward order book of 296.8MW expected to convert into revenue through to FY2029.

Management guides billing utilisation to grow 2.7 times by FY2027 and 3.4 times by FY2028, underpinned by its existing forward order book of contracted but not yet billed capacity.

NextDC has raised its FY2026 capital expenditure guidance to between $2.7 billion and $3.0 billion, up from $2.4 billion previously.

Contracted utilisation surged 60% to 667MW in the March 2026 quarter alone, driven by massive wins at its S4 Sydney development

A compounded annual growth rate in operating earnings of more than 40% is expected between FY2025 and FY2028 as that contracted capacity converts to revenue.

Dicker Data Ltd (ASX: DDR)

The third name in this list is the least obvious but arguably the most interesting from a valuation standpoint.

Dicker Data is Australia's largest technology distributor, connecting more than 10,000 reseller partners with leading technology vendors across hardware, software, cybersecurity, and AI infrastructure.

Every data centre that gets built creates demand for the racks, servers, networking equipment, and software licences that Dicker Data distributes.

For the first four months of FY2026, Dicker Data reported gross revenue growth of 13.4% to $1.27 billion and a 45.5% jump in net profit before tax to $47.3 million.

This was driven by elevated data centre refresh and AI infrastructure demand.

Despite that momentum, Dicker Data trades on approximately 20 times earnings.

This is a steep discount to the global technology distribution peer average of 41 times.

As a result, the company pays a fully franked quarterly dividend yielding approximately 4.7%.

Jarden carries a buy rating with an $11.00 price target, implying good upside from current levels.

The risks

None of these three ASX shares are risk-free.

Goodman and NextDC both carry significant capital expenditure commitments and are sensitive to interest rate movements given their asset-heavy models.

Dicker Data operates on thin margins and is exposed to any slowdown in enterprise technology spending.

All three have already run hard in recent years, which limits the margin of safety at current prices.

Foolish takeaway

The data centre boom is happening right now, with $25 billion of committed investment flowing into Australian digital infrastructure over the next five years.

Goodman owns the land and the power, NextDC operates the facilities, and Dicker Data distributes the technology that fills them. For investors who believe AI-driven data centre investment will keep accelerating, all three of these ASX shares deserve serious attention.

The post 3 ASX shares riding the data centre boom that investors keep overlooking 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.

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.