5 ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF in 2026

Managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) comes with a different mindset compared to everyday investing.

The focus is often on building a portfolio that can grow steadily over time while remaining diversified across regions, sectors, and investment styles.

Exchange traded funds (ETFs) can play a key role here by providing broad exposure without adding unnecessary complexity.

With that in mind, here are five ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for an SMSF.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The first ASX ETF that could be used as a foundation is the iShares S&P 500 ETF.

This fund captures a broad slice of the US economy, but what makes it particularly useful in an SMSF is its ability to evolve over time. As industries rise and fall, the index naturally adjusts, meaning investors stay aligned with where economic value is being created.

It provides exposure to a mix of sectors, from healthcare to financials and technology, offering a balance between growth and stability within a single holding.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

Another ASX ETF that can complement this is the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.

Where the iShares S&P 500 ETF is focused on the US, this fund expands the opportunity set across developed markets globally, including Europe and Asia.

This broader exposure can help reduce reliance on any single economy and provides access to global leaders across multiple industries. For an SMSF, that added diversification can be particularly valuable over long investment horizons.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

For a different approach, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF focuses on competitive advantages.

Instead of simply tracking markets, it looks for companies with sustainable business models that can defend their profits over time. These are often businesses with strong brands, intellectual property, or structural cost advantages.

It also incorporates valuation into its process, meaning it seeks to invest in these companies when they are attractively priced. This adds a layer of discipline that can complement more traditional index exposure.

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF offers exposure to a very different part of the market.

This ASX ETF focuses on companies that produce everyday essentials such as food, beverages, and household products. These businesses tend to generate consistent demand regardless of economic conditions.

For an SMSF, this can provide a more defensive element within a portfolio, helping to balance out more growth-oriented holdings.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

To round things out, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides access to some of the most innovative companies in the world.

This ASX ETF is heavily weighted towards sectors such as technology and communication services, offering exposure to businesses that are shaping the future of the global economy.

While it can be more volatile than broader market ETFs, it also offers the potential for stronger long-term growth, making it a useful addition for investors looking to boost returns within a diversified SMSF portfolio.

The post 5 ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why these Vanguard ETFs could be best buys in 2026
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that focus on quality
• 3 Betashares ETFs I’d buy and hold for 10 years
• If a 30-year-old invests $500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement
• 2 excellent ASX ETFs I rate as buys in March

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, 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.