When you are investing for 20 years, you are no longer trying to predict next quarter’s earnings. You are backing structural trends, strong businesses, and broad market growth that can compound over decades.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) that could be strong long-term holdings for Aussie investors.
iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)
The S&P 500 index has been one of the most powerful wealth-building engines in modern financial history. The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives investors exposure to this index with a click of the button.
It provides investors with a slice of 500 leading US stocks across a range of sectors including healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and financials. Holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD), and Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX).
Over a 20-year timeframe, backing America’s largest and most innovative companies has historically rewarded patient investors. And while there will inevitably be corrections along the way, the long-term trend has been upward.
Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
Diversification is crucial when investing for decades. The Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF helps achieve this by providing exposure to over a thousand stocks across developed markets outside Australia. That includes businesses such as Nestlé (SWX: NESN), Visa (NYSE: V), and Roche Holding (SWX: ROG).
By investing across the US, Europe, and parts of Asia, this ASX ETF reduces reliance on any single economy. Over 20 years, global diversification can help smooth returns while still capturing international growth.
VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat AUD ETF (ASX: MOAT)
Another buy and hold candidate is the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. It focuses on US companies with sustainable competitive advantages.
Rather than simply tracking market size, it screens for businesses that have wide moats and are trading at attractive valuations. Current holdings include Estee Lauder (NYSE: EL), Microsoft, Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), and Nike (NYSE: NKE).
Quality at a reasonable price is a strategy that has worked for decades, and it remains a sensible approach for long-term investors.
Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
Technology will likely look very different in 2046 than it does today.
The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides investors with exposure to companies involved in robotics and artificial intelligence, including Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN).
Automation and AI are expected to reshape industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing. Over a 20-year horizon, these technologies could be far more deeply embedded in the global economy than they are today.
The team at Betashares recently recommended this fund.
Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)
A final ASX ETF to consider as a buy and hold investment is the Betashares India Quality ETF. It provides access to a group of high-quality Indian stocks.
India’s growing population, expanding middle class, and ongoing economic reforms create a backdrop for long-term expansion. And while emerging markets can be volatile, a 20-year horizon allows investors to ride out short-term swings and potentially benefit from structural growth.
It was also recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.
The post 5 amazing ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 20 years appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
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* Returns as of 20 Feb 2026
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More reading
- How to invest like Warren Buffett using ASX ETFs
- The easy way for Aussies to invest globally on the ASX
- How to build serious wealth with ASX shares
- 3 ASX ETFs for beginner investors to buy in March
- The sleep easy ETF portfolio to survive market crashes
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Adobe, Apple, Intuitive Surgical, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Starbucks, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Nestlé and Roche Holding AG and has recommended the following options: long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, long January 2028 $520 calls on Intuitive Surgical, short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe, and short January 2028 $530 calls on Intuitive Surgical. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Apple, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Starbucks, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF, Visa, 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.