If you want broad diversification without constantly picking stocks, a small collection of well-chosen exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be the way to do it.
With that in mind, here’s how ASX investors could build an ultimate four-ETF portfolio:
iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF (ASX: IVV)
Every core portfolio needs a strong foundation, and the iShares S&P 500 AUD ETF could provide that.
Tracking the S&P 500, this ETF gives investors a slice of the 500 largest US stocks. This includes global leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).
The US remains home to many of the world’s most innovative and profitable companies. Over long periods, the S&P 500 has demonstrated an ability to adapt as industries evolve. Old leaders fade, new leaders emerge, and the index refreshes itself.
Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
While the US dominates headlines, global diversification still matters.
The Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF provides investors with exposure to developed markets outside Australia, spanning Europe, Japan, and other advanced economies. This reduces reliance on a single country and helps smooth performance across cycles.
It also captures stocks that may not feature prominently in US indices but are global leaders in their own right, such as LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (FRA: MOH). For investors who want broad international exposure without complexity, this ASX ETF adds geographic balance to the portfolio.
Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)
The Australian share market is heavily weighted toward banks and miners. The Betashares Australian Quality ETF allows investors to take a different approach to investing locally.
Instead of simply tracking the largest Australian stocks, it tilts toward companies with strong profitability metrics and balance sheet strength. That quality filter can help investors avoid some of the more cyclical or weaker names in the index.
The Betashares Australian Quality ETF ensures the portfolio has domestic exposure, while still emphasising resilience and long-term earnings power. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.
Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
Finally, every modern portfolio can benefit from a growth pick.
The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF focuses on stocks involved in robotics and artificial intelligence, including the likes of Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Keyence, and Nvidia. These businesses sit at the forefront of automation, machine vision, and AI-driven innovation.
While thematic ETFs can be volatile, allocating a portion of capital to a structural growth theme allows investors to participate in transformative industries without having to pick individual winners. The team at Betashares also recently recommended this fund.
The post The ultimate 4-ETF portfolio for ASX investors in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in BetaShares Australian Quality ETF right now?
Before you buy BetaShares Australian Quality ETF 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 BetaShares Australian Quality ETF 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…
* Returns as of 1 Jan 2026
.custom-cta-button p {
margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}
More reading
- 3 ASX ETFs to protect your portfolio from the tech sell-off
- Why this could be a great time to invest in the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
- 3 amazing ASX ETFs you need to know
- Why I think this Vanguard ETF is a strong buy in 2026
- How ETFs can help investors build significant passive income
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 positions in and has recommended Apple, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, 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.