Why 2025 is the year to buy quality ASX shares

Bell Potter has given its verdict on where it thinks investors should be putting their money.

| More on:
A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.

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

After a shaky start to the year for global markets, one investment theme is standing out above the rest: quality.

And according to Bell Potter, 2025 could be the perfect time for investors to shift their focus toward high-quality ASX shares with proven fundamentals.

In its latest strategy note, Bell Potter makes a compelling case for taking a "preference to quality" in the current environment, citing "economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions, and anticipated slower growth" as key reasons to tilt portfolios toward businesses that can hold their ground through turbulence.

Why quality matters now

Bell Potter highlights four key characteristics that make quality shares so attractive right now, these are earnings stability, strong balance sheets, sustained high profitability, and competitive advantages.

These traits are particularly valuable when markets are volatile and the outlook is cloudy — as they are today.

In fact, quality shares have historically outperformed during major market disruptions like the GFC, COVID-19, and periods of trade war uncertainty. The broker notes that "quality investing has historically outperformed during significant economic disruptions, including the GFC, European debt crisis, COVID and Trump 1.0 trade tensions."

A safe harbour in uncertain times

With markets once again grappling with trade tensions and policy risks, Bell Potter believes quality offers investors "the best of both worlds under a Trump-led scenario—providing downside protection if trade tensions escalate, while remaining well-positioned should tariffs be watered-down and growth slows, rather than stalls."

It is that kind of asymmetric return profile that makes a focus on quality so attractive right now. Bell Potter notes that: "Quality equities offer an asymmetric return profile, capturing steady upside during growth periods but crucially providing downside protection in declining markets."

How to invest in quality with ASX shares

For investors looking to act on this theme, two ASX ETFs stand out:

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

This ASX ETF offers exposure to a portfolio of high-quality local companies based on profitability, earnings stability and low financial leverage. It's a simple way to tap into the ASX's best operators without having to pick individual stocks.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

This popular fund provides access to a hand-picked portfolio of 150 of the world's strongest businesses — all ranked by their quality scores. For long-term investors seeking global diversification, this ASX ETF brings together best-in-class companies in a single, cost-effective investment.

Foolish takeaway

With geopolitical tensions simmering and market volatility remaining high, Bell Potter's message is clear: now is the time to lean into quality. And it is hard to argue against this.

Should you invest $1,000 in Megaport right now?

Before you buy Megaport shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Megaport wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 30 April 2025

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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

Gold spelt out in gold block letters.
Gold

Should I buy gold ETFs or ASX 200 gold stocks in this environment?

What’s the best way to make money from a fast-rising gold price, ASX gold stocks or ETFs?

Read more »

A man sees some good news on his phone and gives a little cheer.
ETFs

Up 40% in 2025, why this ASX ETF may just be getting started

This ASX ETF has consistently beaten the market.

Read more »

The letters ETF with a man pointing at it.
ETFs

The pros and cons of buying iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV) this month

Is this leading fund a good buy today?

Read more »

ETF written on wooden blocks with a magnifying glass.
ETFs

2 amazing ASX ETFs I'd buy for market-beating returns

These funds have a lot of potential, in my view.

Read more »

Businessman using a digital tablet with a graphical chart, symbolising the stock market.
Share Market News

$10,000 invested in the ASX 200 5 years ago is now worth…

Guess how much $10,000 invested in the ASX 200 five years ago is worth today!

Read more »

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

10 ASX ETFs to buy in May with $10,000

These funds offer investors access to many of the best companies in the world.

Read more »

Businessman working and using Digital Tablet new business project finance investment at coffee cafe.
ETFs

MOAT ETF is up 10% in 2 weeks. Is this ASX ETF still good value?

Let's see if it is too late to buy this popular fund.

Read more »

A group of young people lined up on a wall are happy looking at their laptops and devices as they invest in the latest trendy stock.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs for beginner investors to buy

Getting started with investing can feel overwhelming — especially if you're not sure which individual stocks to pick or when…

Read more »