Rather than trying to pick stocks, ETFs allow investors to back broad themes, regions, or investment styles through a single ASX-listed investment. For those wanting to spread risk while positioning for long-term growth, the right mix of ETFs can be a powerful tool.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could appeal to investors looking for exposure to very different global themes.

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

The first ASX ETF that could be a buy is the iShares S&P 500 ETF. It is one of the simplest ways for Australian investors to gain exposure to the US share market.

This fund tracks the S&P 500 Index, which includes 500 of the largest and most influential stocks listed in the United States. These businesses operate across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials, making the index a broad representation of corporate America.

What makes the IVV ETF particularly attractive is the quality of its underlying holdings. The S&P 500 includes global leaders with scale, strong balance sheets, and significant pricing power. Over long periods, these companies have benefited from innovation, productivity growth, and access to the world's largest capital market.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck MSCI International Value ETF. It offers a very different approach by focusing on valuation rather than momentum.

This fund invests in a diversified portfolio of international large- and mid-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics, such as lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios relative to peers. The portfolio spans multiple countries and sectors, reducing reliance on any single market.

Its holdings currently include Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU), Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC), and Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO).

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF was recently recommended by the fund manager.

VanEck China New Economy ETF (ASX: CNEW)

Finally, the VanEck China New Economy ETF could be a top pick for Aussie investors.

This ASX ETF is designed to capture the evolution of China's economy away from traditional industries and toward technology, consumption, and innovation.

It invests in Chinese stocks operating in areas such as ecommerce, digital services, healthcare innovation, and advanced manufacturing. These businesses are often aligned with rising domestic consumption and long-term structural change within the Chinese economy.

While investing in China comes with additional risks, this fund offers targeted exposure to growth areas that are traditionally difficult to access. It was also recently recommended by VanEck.

The post Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The S&P 500 Index (SP: INX) soared 16.39% and delivered total returns, including dividends, of 17.88%, according to S&P Global.

The S&P 500 reached a record 6,945.77 points in December before closing the year at 6,845.5 points.

The Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) did even better, rising 20.36% with total returns of 21.33%.

The Nasdaq Composite hit its peak in October at 24,019.99 points before closing at 23,241.99 points on 31 December.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index (DJX: .DJI), which tracks the performance of 30 selected S&P 500 stocks, rose 12.97% and delivered total returns of 14.92%.

The Dow Jones Index closed 2025 at 48,063.29 points, and hit a new record overnight at 49,209.95 points.

By comparison, S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares rose 6.8% and produced total returns of 10.32% in 2025.

The ASX 200 rose to a record 9,115.2 points in October before finishing the year at 8,714.3 points.

The S&P/ASX All Ords Index (ASX: XAO), which tracks the top 500 companies, rose by 7.11% and gave a total return of 10.56%.

The ASX All Ords closed 2025 at 9,018.8 points after hitting a record in October at 9,414.6 points.

Top 5 US stocks and ASX shares of 2025

According to Yahoo Finance, the top five US stocks for growth last year were:

1. Flash memory designer and manufacturer Sandisk Corp (NASDAQ: SNDK), up 548%

2. Data storage company and hardware manufacturer, Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ: WDC), up 335%

3. Computer data storage company, Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ: MU), up 222%

4. Global data storage solutions company, Seagate Technology Holdings PLC (NASDAQ: STX), up 220%

5. US stocks trading platform provider, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOOD), up 183%

The top five ASX All Ords shares for growth were:

1. Anti-drone technology company DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO), up 300%

2. Gold miner Pantoro Gold Ltd (ASX: PNR), up 220%

3. Gold explorer Predictive Discovery Ltd (ASX: PDI), up 220%

4. Gold miner Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX: RSG), up 206%

5. Lithium miner Core Lithium Ltd (ASX: CXO), up 206%

Check out the best performing ASX 200 shares here.

What's next for US stocks in 2026?

In its 2026 investment outlook, Morgan Stanley projected that S&P 500 shares will rise to 7,800 points by the end of the new year.

That would represent an annual gain of 13%.

The broker expects US earnings and cash flow growth due to a market-friendly policy mix, interest rate cuts, corporate tax cuts from the 'One Big Beautiful Act', positive operating leverage, and the re-emergence of pricing power and AI-driven efficiency gains.

Serena Tang, Morgan Stanley's Chief Global Cross-Asset Strategist, said:

There will be some bumps along the way, but we believe that the bull market is intact.

Another broker, UBS, predicts the S&P 500 will lift to 7,300 points by June and 7,700 points by Christmas.

UBS said US stocks will be driven by about 10% earnings growth and lower interest rates.

In an article, the broker said: 

In addition to the transformative force of AI, we believe the structural trends of electrification and longevity will also drive equity performance for the long term.

Tactically, we believe AI beneficiaries are broadening out both within and beyond tech, and we see opportunities in companies facilitating grid modernization and supply critical raw materials.

In the longevity field, we expect strong growth in the obesity, oncology, and medical device markets.

Check out which US stocks are most popular with Aussie investors and why.

The post US stocks vs. ASX shares in 2025 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.