The best ASX ETFs to buy to build a super strong portfolio

These funds offer investors access to some of the best stocks in the world (and Australia).

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If you're building a long-term portfolio, strength matters. And one of the best ways to create a super strong investment foundation is by owning exchange traded funds (ETFs) packed with high-quality companies.

Whether you're just starting out or fine-tuning your portfolio for the next decade, a focus on quality, consistency, and global diversification will put you ahead of the pack.

With that in mind, here are three of the best ETFs to consider right now to anchor a rock-solid portfolio — each offering exposure to many of the world's most resilient and profitable businesses. They are as follows:

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

The first ASX ETF to look at is the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF. It gives you access to a hand-picked portfolio of global companies that have consistently delivered high returns on equity, low debt, and stable earnings growth. It's not just about being big — it is about being fundamentally strong.

This ETF includes global leaders like Visa Inc (NYSE: V), ASML Holdings (NASDAQ: ASML), and Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX).

These are companies that tend to outperform in uncertain markets and continue to compound steadily over time. This could make it ideal for investors who want broad global exposure without sacrificing business quality. It was recently named as one to buy by the fund manager's chief economist.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

If you want straightforward, world-class exposure, then the iShares S&P 500 ETF is hard to beat. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving you access to the 500 largest listed companies in the United States.

This includes dominant names like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA).

These are the businesses leading in cloud computing, AI, semiconductors, and digital consumer services. Given the positive long term outlooks of these companies, this could be a great place to park your money for the long term.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

Finally, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF is the local counterpart to the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF. It focuses on the highest-quality Australian companies based on financial strength, profitability, and earnings stability.

Rather than tracking the traditional ASX 200, this ASX filters for businesses that are resilient, well-managed, and consistent performers. You'll find high-quality domestic names here — companies that can navigate cycles and still deliver.

At present, this includes names such as Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES). It was also recently tipped as a buy by the team at Betashares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Apple, CSL, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Visa, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Apple, CSL, Microsoft, Netflix, Nvidia, Visa, Wesfarmers, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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