History tells us that the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) returns an average of 9-10% per annum. 

That's nothing to complain about. 

However, it's important to understand that returns aren't linear. Rather, it isn't as simple as 9% every year. 

This year, statistically, has been a softer one for the ASX 200. 

At the time of writing, with a couple weeks left to go in the year, Australia's benchmark index has risen roughly 4.7%. 

This is well below some other markets around the world. 

So for investors looking to diversify beyond the Australian market, here is how a hypothetical investment in some overseas markets would have performed in 2025. 

Betashares Capital Ltd – Asia Technology Tigers Etf (ASX: ASIA)

This ASX ETF aims to track the performance of an index (before fees and expenses) comprising the 50 largest technology and online retail stocks in Asia (ex-Japan). 

This includes global names like Samsung Electronics and Alibaba. 

It also offers heavy exposure to the growing semiconductor industry fuelling the AI boom.

It's no surprise that exposure has helped this fund grow significantly in 2025. 

Since the start of the year, it is up 37.82%. 

That means a $10,000 investment at the start of the year would today be worth $13,782 today. 

Global X Euro Stoxx 50 ETF (ASX: ESTX)

As the name suggests, this ASX ETF invests in 50 of the largest companies across the eurozone.

This includes global blue-chips like Dutch multinational corporation and semiconductor company ASML Holding N.V. (ENXTAM: ASML) and German software company SAP (ETR: SAP). 

Some of the best performing markets in 2025 have been in Europe. 

By country, the fund has its largest weighting towards: 

• France 33.88%
• Germany 29.98%
• Netherlands 14.93%

This ASX ETF has risen 24.6%, which means an investment of $10,000 at the start of the year would already be worth $12,460. 

Betashares FTSE100 ETF (ASX: F100)

Just across the pond lives the London Stock Exchange. 

This ASX ETF tracks the performance of the FTSE 100 Index (before fees and expenses), which provides exposure to the largest 100 companies by market capitalisation traded on the London Stock Exchange.

This fund includes U.K based global leaders such as HBSC, Diageo and Unilever.

It has risen an impressive 21.10% this year. 

That would have brought an investment of $10,000 in January to a healthy $12,110 right now. 

The post Guess how much $10,000 invested a year ago in these global ASX ETFs is worth today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But if you're not sure which shares to buy, don't worry!

That's because there are plenty of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there for investors to choose from.

They give you instant diversification, exposure to global themes, and an easier way to build a long-term portfolio without trying to pick winners and losers.

With that in mind, here are five top ASX ETFs worth considering in October:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

For growth-focused investors, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is often the first stop they will make. And it isn't hard to see why. This ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, home to tech giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). These are the stocks leading the charge in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital advertising. While the ride can be volatile, the long-term returns from the Nasdaq have been outstanding.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is another top option to consider in October. It provides exposure to the next generation of technology leaders across Asia. Think of names like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and Alibaba (NYSE: BABA). These are companies at the forefront of semiconductors, ecommerce, and cloud infrastructure. With Asia's middle class expanding rapidly, demand for digital services is only expected to grow, giving this ASX ETF significant long-term potential.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF takes a different approach to the others. It invests in US companies that have durable competitive advantages and fair valuations. Its holdings change periodically but currently include Nike (NYSE: NKE), Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP). The fund has a track record of outperforming broader US markets over time, making it a compelling buy-and-hold option.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity is quickly becoming a necessity for businesses. That makes the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF one of the most relevant ASX ETFs for the next decade. Its portfolio includes global leaders like CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks Inc (NASDAQ: PANW), and Cisco Systems Inc (NASDAQ: CSCO). As threats escalate and spending on cybersecurity grows, this ETF could benefit from structural demand that doesn't depend on the economic cycle.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

For investors looking for core global exposure, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be a standout pick in October. It provides access to more than 1,200 international stocks across the US, Europe, and Asia. Holdings include names such as Nestle (SWX: NESN), Toyota Motor Corp (TYO: 7203), and Roche Holding AG (SWX: ROG). With broad diversification and Vanguard's low-cost structure, this fund is a simple yet powerful way to capture long-term market growth.

The post 5 top ASX ETFs to buy in October appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.