When it comes to investing, diversification is one of the golden rules.
Spreading your money across multiple companies, sectors, and geographies can reduce risk and improve long-term returns.
But for many investors, building a well-diversified portfolio can be time-consuming and costly.
That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. ASX ETFs allow investors to gain exposure to hundreds or even thousands of companies in a single trade, making them a simple and effective way to diversify a portfolio.
If you're looking for an easy way to build a strong, balanced portfolio, here are three top ASX ETFs that could be worth considering.
Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
For those who want broad exposure to the Australian stock market, the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is a popular choice. This ETF tracks the S&P/ASX 300 Index, meaning it provides instant diversification across 300 of Australia's largest companies.
The fund includes household names such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW), covering sectors like mining, banking, healthcare, and retail. It also offers a solid dividend yield, making it attractive for income-focused investors.
Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF (ASX: VTS)
Investors looking beyond Australia might want to consider the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF. This ASX ETF provides exposure to over 4,000 US-listed companies, spanning large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
The US market is home to some of the world's most dominant businesses, and this fund gives investors access to companies to them. This includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA). The US economy has historically been a strong performer, and its stock market is a major driver of global growth. This could make it a great long term pick for an ASX portfolio.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
Finally, for true global diversification, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF is worth a look. This ASX ETF tracks the MSCI World ex-Australia Index, giving investors exposure to 1,500+ companies across major developed markets.
This fund includes businesses from the US, Europe, Japan, and other developed regions, with holdings such as Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Nestlé, LVMH, and Toyota. By investing in this ETF, Australians can reduce their reliance on the local market and gain exposure to global economic growth.