2 top ASX ETFs I'd buy with the goal of long-term capital growth

Here's why I like the look of these ETFs.

| More on:
a young boy dressed up in a business suit and tie has a cute grin and holds two fingers up.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • I think ASX ETFs focused on quality can do really well at growing people’s wealth
  • VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF is invested in 300 businesses that have a high return on equity, earnings stability, and low financial leverage
  • Vaneck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is invested in businesses with strong economic moats at good prices

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a popular way to invest. Certainly, I think ASX ETFs can be a very good way to build wealth. There are two in particular I'm going to tell you about which I think can deliver strong long-term capital growth.

There are some businesses that may deliver decent returns through dividends. But others can deliver good capital growth thanks to strong customer demand, a lot of re-investment by the companies, and an attractive return on equity (ROE).

With that in mind, I think ETFs that are focused on businesses with quality metrics can do well. Here are two that stand out.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3VanEck Msci International Quality ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL3 May 20182 May 2023Zoom ▾Jul '18Jan '19Jul '19Jan '20Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '232019201920202020202120212022202220232023www.fool.com.au

This ASX ETF offers Aussie investors international diversification. It's invested in around 300 businesses around the world. The following countries currently have a weighting of more than 1%: the US (74.2%), Switzerland (6.1%), Japan (3.7%), the Netherlands (3.3%), the UK (3.1%), Denmark (2.7%), Ireland (1.6%), France (1.3%), and Canada (1.2%).

But there's more to this ETF than simply diversification. It is invested in what VanEck calls the world's "highest-quality companies based on key fundamentals", including a high return on equity, earnings stability, and low financial leverage.

As of 1 May 2023, its biggest holdings included Microsoft, Apple, Nvidia, Meta Platforms, and Home Depot.

Of course, past performance is not a guarantee of future results. But, in the five years to March 2023, the ASX ETF achieved an average return per annum of 14%. It outperformed the global share market (as measured by the MSCI World ex Australia Index) which returned an average of 11% per annum over the same time period.

I think the quality of the underlying businesses can help the ASX ETF continue to deliver good capital returns.

Vaneck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL3 May 20182 May 2023Zoom ▾Jul '18Jan '19Jul '19Jan '20Jul '20Jan '21Jul '21Jan '22Jul '22Jan '232019201920202020202120212022202220232023www.fool.com.au

This is one of my favourite ETFs on the ASX.

It's focused on US businesses that have a strong 'economic moat'. An economic moat can also be called a company's competitive advantage. It describes the ability of a business to fight off competitors or maintain its advantage. Economic moats can come in a number of different forms such as brand power, intellectual property, network effects, and cost advantages.

The analysts that decide which businesses to invest in decide on a watchlist of businesses that have an economic moat that will, in their eyes, almost certainly endure for the next decade and, more likely than not, the next two decades.

With that watchlist, the ETF invests in "targets companies trading at attractive prices relative to Morningstar's estimate of fair value".

The investment strategy has been effective. The Vaneck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF has returned an average of 16.8% per annum over the past five years.

On 1 May 2023, it had 49 holdings, with these five being the biggest holdings: Meta Platforms, Salesforce.com, Microsoft, Medtronic, and Comcast.

Foolish takeaway

I like the investment style of these two ASX ETFs and I think they can provide a mixture of both diversification and good returns.

Out of the two, I prefer the MOAT ETF but, let's be clear, I also really like the QUAL ETF.

Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, Home Depot, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Salesforce. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Meta Platforms, Nvidia, Salesforce, and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Exchange-traded fund spelt out with ETF in red and a person pointing their finger at it.
ETFs

2 of the best ASX ETFs to buy and hold for a decade or more

Let's see what makes these funds stand out from the rest.

Read more »

a group of people in business attire gather around a computer in an office environment with expressions of concern as they try to nut out the answer to a challenge they are facing.
ETFs

What are the 2 biggest ASX ETF themes today?

Betashares reveals the two best-performing segments of the ASX ETF market in the second half of FY25.

Read more »

a couple and their baby sit together at their computer carrying out digital transactions and smiling happily.
ETFs

5 reasons why the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) is a great investment for most Australians

There are a number of positives to like about this fund…

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a rising green arrow.
ETFs

5 high-quality ASX ETFs to buy in August

Let's see what makes these funds top picks for Aussie investors.

Read more »

A businesswoman weighs up the stack of cash she receives, with the pile in one hand significantly more than the other hand.
ETFs

Does the VanEck Wide Moat ETF really have a 6% dividend yield right now?

How can an American-focused ETF pay such a big yield?

Read more »

Happy woman on her phone while her electric vehicle charges.
ETFs

EV demand comes roaring back. Time to buy this EV-focused ASX ETF?

Global EV demand has surged 30% year-on-year.

Read more »

A couple sit in their home looking at a phone screen as if discussing a financial matter.
ETFs

3 high-yield ASX ETFs to beat falling interest rates

Are you looking to boost passive income?

Read more »

A young man wearing glasses writes down his stock picks in his living room.
ETFs

4 reasons why this ASX ETF is one of the best buys today

I think this is one of the most exciting buys for Aussies.

Read more »