Three ASX ETFs for Global Diversification: Vanguard, Betashares, and VanEck

Australian investors can diversify globally with these three ASX ETFs. The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF provides exposure to over 1,200 global businesses, while the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF focuses on the best-performing US stocks. The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF invests in US companies with sustainable competitive advantages, offering a quality-focused strategy. These ETFs can complement an Australian-focused core and provide exposure to world-leading stocks in various sectors.

Australian investors seeking to diversify their portfolios globally can consider three ASX-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide exposure to leading international businesses. These ETFs can complement an Australian-focused core portfolio, offering exposure to world-leading stocks across various sectors.

1. Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF offers broad exposure to developed markets outside Australia, with a focus on the MSCI World Index. This ETF invests in over 1,200 global businesses, providing instant global diversification [1]. Its holdings include U.S. giants like Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), as well as global leaders such as Nestle (SWX: NESN) in Switzerland, Toyota (TYO: 7203) in Japan, and Roche (SWX: ROG) in healthcare. The fund's disciplined, rules-based approach ensures a well-diversified portfolio.

2. BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides exposure to the best-performing U.S. stocks, as represented by the Nasdaq 100 Index. This ETF invests in the top 100 non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, including tech giants like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). By investing in this ETF, investors gain exposure to the broader digital economy, as well as big tech [1]. The fund's focus on growth and innovation makes it an attractive option for investors looking to tap into the U.S. tech sector.

3. VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: WID)
The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF invests in U.S. companies with sustainable competitive advantages, known as "wide moats." These companies have strong barriers to entry, such as brand loyalty, intellectual property, or economies of scale, which protect their market share and profitability. The ETF's focus on quality and long-term growth makes it an attractive option for investors seeking a defensive strategy. Its holdings include companies like Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), among others [2].

By incorporating these three ASX ETFs into their portfolios, Australian investors can gain exposure to leading global businesses and complement their Australian-focused core. Each ETF offers a unique investment strategy, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios across various sectors and geographies.

References:
[1] https://www.fool.com.au/2025/08/25/5-asx-etfs-for-smart-investors-to-buy-with-50000-in-september/
[2] https://www.fool.com.au/2025/08/21/2-of-the-best-asx-etfs-to-buy-for-a-lifetime-of-passive-income/