But a new report from Canaccord Genuity Australia has reinforced the case for targeting stocks outside the Australian and US markets. 

Tony Brennan, Chief Investment Strategist, said until this year, being concentrated in US equities within international portfolios produced better returns.

But this year, the US has underperformed the rest of the world, illustrating the benefits of being more diversified.

US stocks have provided prolonged success

In the report from Canaccord Genuity Australia, the firm reinforced the success investors have had by targeting US stocks, particularly technology shares.

Brennan said this has been supported by a generally solid economy and boosted by a large corporate tax cut during the first Trump Administration. 

In the last decade, Europe had to contend with fiscal restraint after its sovereign debt crisis in 2012, the rupture of Brexit in 2016, and the war in Ukraine since 2022. 

Changing tides

Although the US and the rest of the world have faced different challenges over the past decade, this year both sides were hit by the same shock: the new US tariffs and resulting trade war.

Despite initial fears, after nine months it's clear that economic damage from tariffs has been less severe than anticipated. Additionally, growth across major economies has held up better than expected.

The report also indicated that a key change this year is that the gap between US economic growth and growth in other major regions has narrowed.

International stock picks

The report highlighted 9 international stocks that the firm believes offer exposure to similar structural growth themes as US peers, while providing valuation alternatives. 

After their remarkable success, many of the large US companies, particularly the large US tech stocks, are quite well known and well held by investors. So, in this report we highlight some major companies in other markets that could provide desired diversification for Australian investors.

The 9 international stocks are: 

• HSBC Holdings PLC (UK)
• Airbus SE (France)
• ASML Holding NV (Netherlands)
• L'Oreal SA (France)
• Roche Holding AG Genussscheine (Switzerland) 
• SAP SE (Germany)
• Siemens AG (Germany)
• Sony Group Corp (Japan)
• Tencent Holdings Ltd (Hong Kong). 

The report said Airbus, ASML, SAP, and Siemens deliver access to industrial automation, semiconductor infrastructure, and aerospace duopolies with strong pricing power. 

L'Oréal and Roche represent defensive quality with global market leadership in beauty and healthcare, delivering stable earnings with reduced cyclicality. 

Sony and Tencent provide exposure to Asian technology platforms at more attractive valuations than US counterparts.

HSBC offers global banking exposure at modest valuations relative to US and Australian banking peers.

How to gain exposure 

Investors looking to gain exposure to these international stocks can target each one individually. 

However, there are also ASX ETFs that include many of these companies. 

For example, the Vanguard FTSE Europe Shares ETF (ASX: VEQ) includes 7 of these companies that are based in Europe/UK.

This is the same for the iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU). 

Both funds are up 20% or more in 2025. 

The post Expert says target these 9 international stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

A 20-year investing horizon gives compounding the freedom to work its magic, smoothing out the bumps and capturing the long-run performance of global markets.

The good news for Australian investors is that the ASX offers world-class ETFs that provide instant diversification across many of the most innovative stocks and strongest economies on the planet.

If you're looking to set up a portfolio you won't need to tinker with for a very long time, the following three ASX ETFs are hard to beat.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

When it comes to long-term wealth creation, it is hard to look beyond the US market.

The iShares S&P 500 ETF tracks the S&P 500 index, giving investors a slice of America's 500 largest stocks. These are the businesses driving innovation in technology, healthcare, consumer spending, and industrials.

This includes giants such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT). These companies have shaped global consumer behaviour, created new industries, and consistently reinvested into product development and growth. For a 20-year investment horizon, it is arguably a must-have building block.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

India is increasingly being viewed as one of the world's most exciting long-term economic growth stories. With a young population, a rapidly expanding middle class, modernising infrastructure, and booming digital adoption, the country is expected to be one of the fastest-growing major economies for decades.

The Betashares India Quality ETF focuses specifically on high-quality Indian companies with strong fundamentals. Its portfolio includes leading names such as Infosys (NYSE: INFY), Tata Consultancy Services (NSEI: TCS), and HDFC Bank (NSEI: HDFCBANK). These are businesses benefitting from both domestic expansion and the global outsourcing boom.

India is still early in its economic development cycle compared to Western markets, meaning its long-term runway could be significantly larger. For Australian investors wanting emerging-market growth without taking on excessive risk, this fund offers a blend of quality, diversification, and future upside. It was recently named as one to consider buying by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Global Shares Ex-US ETF (ASX: EXUS)

If you have your US exposure sorted, then it could be worth looking at the new Betashares Global Shares Ex-US ETF.

This ASX ETF gives investors exposure to more than 900 large and mid-cap stocks across 22 developed markets outside the US and Australia.

Its top holdings include ASML (NASDAQ: ASML), Roche (SWX: ROG), AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN), Nestlé (SWX: NESN), and SAP (ETR: SAP). These are global leaders in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and enterprise software.

This fund balances a long-term portfolio by reducing concentration in American technology stocks and increasing exposure to financials, industrials, healthcare, and consumer defensives. It was also recently named as one to consider buying by the fund manager.

The post The best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 20 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's why exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be such a powerful starting point, they offer simplicity, instant diversification, and exposure to high-quality companies without the stress of picking individual winners.

If you're new to the share market and want a strong foundation, here are three ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginner investors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF is one of the most popular choices for new investors, and for good reason. This ASX ETF tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving you exposure to America's largest and most influential businesses.

Among its top holdings are Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO). These are all major players in their respective industries and key drivers of US market performance.

Eli Lilly is a pharmaceutical giant that has grown into one of the world's most valuable healthcare companies, powered by blockbuster drugs in areas such as diabetes and obesity treatment. Its strong research pipeline and global demand make it one of the most dependable earnings machines in the index.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

If you want broad international diversification for your portfolio, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is hard to beat. This fund holds more than 1,200 stocks across major developed markets outside Australia, offering huge exposure with just a single trade.

Some of its largest positions include Nestle (SWX: NESN), Roche (SWX: ROG), and Toyota Motor Corporation (TYO: 7203). These are global leaders in consumer goods, healthcare, and automotive innovation.

Nestle is the Swiss food and beverage giant that owns household brands found in kitchens worldwide. Its global footprint, steady demand, and defensive earnings profile make it an anchor holding that helps smooth portfolio volatility when markets get bumpy.

Overall, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be ideal for beginners who want long-term international growth without having to worry about choosing individual global stocks.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

For those wanting a portfolio tilted toward high-quality, financially strong stocks, the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF could be an excellent option.

This ASX ETF screens for businesses with high returns on equity, stable earnings, and strong balance sheets. These are traits that typically reflect resilient, well-managed businesses. Among its major holdings are Visa (NYSE: V), Novo Nordisk (NYSE: NVO), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST).

Costco is the US retail giant that has built a powerful membership-based model that drives recurring revenue and high customer loyalty. Its disciplined operations and steady growth record make it a classic example of the kind of durable business the fund is designed to capture.

The team at BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF recently recommended this fund.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that could be perfect for beginner investors appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

With optimism building into the new year, now could be an ideal time to add some high-quality ETFs to your portfolio.

Here are three of the best ASX ETFs to buy in November for growth-minded investors with $5,000 to put into the market.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF to consider buying is the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. This hugely popular fund gives Australian investors easy access to 100 of the most innovative and dominant non-financial stocks listed in the United States.

It is a powerful way to invest in the world's leading technology and growth names. Top holdings include Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). These are companies that continue to shape global industries and push the boundaries of innovation.

Nvidia is the world's most valuable company. Its world-leading graphics processing units (GPUs) have become critical to powering artificial intelligence (AI) systems, cloud computing, and autonomous technology. This dominance has seen its profits soar, and analysts expect the AI boom to fuel years of further growth. This ETF is an easy way to gain exposure to Nvidia.

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

Closer to home, the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF provides access to some of the country's most innovative and fastest-growing technology names.

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

WiseTech Global is a global logistics software platform provider. Its platform, CargoWise, is becoming the industry standard for freight forwarding and supply chain management. As global trade and digitalisation continue to expand, WiseTech is well positioned to benefit from long-term structural tailwinds.

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF allows investors to capture that growth and the broader rise of Australian technology stocks in one simple, diversified trade. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Finally, for investors who prefer a broad, globally diversified portfolio, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF offers exposure to more than 1,200 stocks across major developed markets.

The fund's largest holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nestle (SWX: NESN), Roche (SWX: ROG), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

One name worth noting is Nestle. It is a household giant that has built its strength on trusted consumer brands like Nescafe, KitKat, and Purina. Even during periods of economic uncertainty, Nestle continues to deliver stable revenue and strong cash flow. This is the kind of consistency that makes it a classic long-term holding.

Overall, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be a great core holding for any portfolio.

The post The best ASX ETFs to buy in November with $5,000 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.

That's why exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are such a great option for beginners.

They offer instant diversification, exposure to high-quality businesses, and a simple way to start an investment journey.

But which funds could be top picks for a beginner? Let's take a look at three ASX ETFs that could be perfect for anyone taking their first steps in the share market.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The first ASX ETF for investors to look at is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF. This hugely popular ETF gives investors exposure to some of the most innovative and valuable stocks in the world. Its portfolio includes U.S. technology leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

For beginners, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is appealing because it captures the growth potential of sectors like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital payments in a single trade. Rather than trying to pick which U.S. tech stock will be the winner, you can own them all. And that's never a bad idea!

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Another ASX ETF for beginners to consider is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF. It focuses on stocks with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and high returns on equity.

Essentially, this means it invests only in the world's best-run businesses. This includes global names such as Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Roche Holding (SWX: ROG), and Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG).

For new investors, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF provides exposure to a broad mix of industries across different countries, reducing risk while targeting consistent long-term growth. It was recently named as a fund to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)

Finally, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is one of the most popular ETFs on the ASX, and for good reason.

It tracks the top 300 shares in Australia, giving investors exposure to household names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

For beginners, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is a simple way to build a strong foundation in the local market. It is low cost, widely diversified, and designed to mirror the performance of the broader Australian economy.

The post 3 perfect ASX ETFs for beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.