For many investors, the goal is not just growing wealth. It is generating reliable income.
The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can be a simple and effective way to do this. Some provide diversification, regular distributions, and exposure to income-producing assets without the need to pick individual stocks.
With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be excellent options for income-focused investors.
Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY)
The first ASX ETF that income investors may want to consider is the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF.
This fund focuses on high-dividend-paying ASX shares, many of which are household names. It typically includes exposure to major banks like Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC), miners like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), and other established businesses with strong cash flows.
One of the key attractions of the fund is its income potential. The Australian market is well known for its generous dividends, and this ETF captures that effectively.
On top of this, many of the dividends are fully franked, which can enhance after-tax returns for local investors.
While there will still be some volatility, the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF offers a straightforward way to build a core income position with exposure to reliable dividend payers.
BetaShares Global Royalties ETF (ASX: ROYL)
Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares Global Royalties ETF.
This fund takes a very different approach to income. Instead of relying on traditional dividends, it invests in companies that earn royalties.
These businesses generate revenue by taking a percentage of sales from assets such as natural resources, intellectual property, and infrastructure. This can lead to highly predictable and scalable income streams.
Because royalty companies often have lower operating costs and limited capital requirements, a larger portion of their revenue can be returned to investors.
This makes the BetaShares Global Royalties ETF an interesting option for those looking to diversify their income sources beyond traditional sectors like banks and utilities.
It was recently recommended by an analyst, as we covered here.
BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: HYLD)
A third ASX ETF that income investors could consider is the BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF.
This fund focuses on Australian companies with high dividend yields, providing exposure to a broad range of income-generating businesses across the local market.
This includes sectors such as financials, resources, and industrials, which have historically been strong dividend payers.
What makes the BetaShares S&P Australian Shares High Yield ETF appealing is its focus on maximising yield while maintaining diversification. It complements the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF by offering an alternative approach to capturing income from the Australian share market.
For investors seeking to build a portfolio centred on dividends, this ASX ETF could play an important supporting role.
This fund was recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.
The post 3 excellent ASX ETFs for income investors to buy appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Should you invest $1,000 in BHP Group right now?
Before you buy BHP Group 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 BHP Group 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 20 Feb 2026
.custom-cta-button p {
margin-bottom: 0 !important;
}
More reading
- Just starting out? These 5 ASX shares could be the perfect first buy
- Up 67% in a year! The red-hot South32 share price is smashing BHP, Rio and Fortescue
- How ASX ETF investors repositioned as the Iran war shook markets
- Expert names 1 ASX ETF to buy, 1 to hold, and 1 to sell
- Guess which ASX ETF just hit an all-time high today?
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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.