Had enough of US volatility? 3 international ASX ETFs to consider

Investors looking for exposure outside of the US stock market could consider these funds. 

| More on:
A woman looks internationally at a digital interface of the world.

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

ASX ETFs are a great way for Aussie investors to gain exposure to the US stock market. Those that did over the last couple of years have most likely seen some solid returns. 

However, the start to the year has been bumpy for the US stock market. For context, the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) is down roughly 6% to start the year.

But a couple of down months for US stocks doesn't mean investors should dump their holdings and run for the hills. History tells us there will be a bounce back. It's a matter of "when" it happens rather than "if" it happens. 

Nonetheless, if you are looking for exposure to international markets, here are three options to consider that have all had strong starts to the year. 

Vanguard All-World ex-US Shares Index ETF (ASX: VEU)

This ETF provides exposure to many of the world's largest companies listed in major developed and emerging countries outside the US.

With over 3,000 holdings included in the fund, it is mostly focused on large market-cap companies. 

It has a large exposure to these markets: 

  • Japan: 15.9%
  • United Kingdom: 9.4%
  • China: 8.4%
  • Canada: 6.4
  • France: 6.6%

The fund has provided solid returns over the last five years, up 52.03% during that time, including gaining 5.78% so far in 2025. 

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Vanguard International Equity Index Funds - Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Vanguard FTSE Asia ex Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

For those targeting Asian markets, VAE provides exposure to securities listed in Asia, excluding Japan, Australia and New Zealand.

It currently has more than 1,600 holdings, with its largest exposure being to these markets: 

  • China: 31.8%
  • India: 21.9%
  • Taiwan: 21.5%
  • Korea: 10.3%
  • Hong Kong: 5%

Over the past 5 years, the fund is up 33.12%, including a 3.84% rise in 2025. 

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Vanguard Ftse Asia Ex Japan Shares Index ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)

For investors monitoring shares in the EU, this ETF aims to provide investors with the performance of the S&P Europe 350. 

The S&P Europe 350 is a stock market index designed to represent the performance of large and mid-cap companies across Europe. 

IEU has a large exposure to companies in: 

  • United Kingdom: 23.17%
  • France: 17.10%
  • Germany: 14.97%
  • Switzerland: 14.94%
  • Netherlands: 6.95%

IEU has grown 74.52% over the past 5 years, including more than 11% since the start of the year.  

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3iShares International Equity ETFs - iShares Europe ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

A businessman hugs his computer and smiles.
ETFs

Why these ASX ETFs could be top buy and hold forever picks

Let's see why these funds could be great options for investors to buy and hold.

Read more »

ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs for a $500 investment

These funds offer investors access to companies both locally and across the globe.

Read more »

Gold bars and Australian dollar notes.
ETFs

$10,000 invested in GDX ETF a year ago is now worth…

Has this ASX gold ETF delivered for investors amid the recent gold price bonanza?

Read more »

A woman in a hammock on her laptop and drinking a smoothie
ETFs

$10,000 invested in FANG ETF a year ago is now worth…

Since inception, the Fang+ ETF's total returns have averaged 30.82% per annum. No wonder it's popular.

Read more »

Businessman smiles with arms outstretched after receiving good news.
ETFs

3 reasons why this fund could claim to be the best ASX ETF

I think this fund has great elements that make it one of the best ETFs on the ASX.

Read more »

Happy teen friends jumping in front of a wall.
ETFs

4 ASX ETFs for Aussie investors to buy in June

Let's take a look at what shares these funds are invested in.

Read more »

share buyers, investors, happy investors
ETFs

How I would build a $100,000 portfolio with ASX ETFs today

You don't need more than three ETFs to build a diversified portfolio...

Read more »

A young couple sits at their kitchen table looking at documents with a laptop open in front of them.
ETFs

3 reasons why the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) is a strong long-term buy

I think this ETF is an excellent investment for a few different reasons.

Read more »