The biggest ASX ETFs revealed – are they still buys?

If you want to know where serious money is flowing in ASX ETFs, the leaderboard hasn’t changed.

The same trio, that combined have over $50 billion in funds under management, continues to dominate: Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS), Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), and iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV).

Together, they form the backbone of countless portfolios, and they all gained roughly 16% in value over 12 months.

But after strong market moves and shifting global conditions, do these 3 ASX ETFs still deserve a place in your portfolio?

Let’s take a closer look.

Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF

This Vanguard fund remains the king of the ASX ETF market, with around $24.2 billion in funds under management. It gives investors exposure to roughly 300 of Australia’s largest companies, offering low fees, high liquidity, and a steady stream of franked dividends.

Its biggest holdings tell the story. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) sit at the top, reflecting the heavy influence of banks and miners on the local market.

That’s both a strength and a weakness. You get reliable income and exposure to Australia’s economic engine, but also concentration risk. When banks or commodities wobble, this Vanguard ASX ETF feels it.

Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF

Then there’s Vanguard MSCI International Shares ETF, with around $14.4 billion under management.

This is the classic “set-and-forget” global ASX ETF. It spreads your investment across developed markets like the US, Europe, and Japan, helping reduce the home bias that many Australian investors naturally have.

At its core are global giants like Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Alphabet Inc.(NASDAQ: GOOG). These companies sit at the centre of innovation in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure.

That’s the appeal. Instead of relying on local banks or commodity cycles, you tap into global growth across multiple sectors.

iShares S&P 500 ETF

Rounding out the trio is the iShares fund, with just over $12.3 billion in funds under management.

This ETF is the purest way to own the US market through the ASX. It tracks the S&P 500 Index, giving exposure to America’s blue chips.

And once again, the top holdings dominate. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft lead the charge, highlighting the heavy tilt towards mega-cap tech.

That concentration has been a tailwind in recent years, but it also means performance is closely tied to a handful of giants.

Foolish Takeaway

So, do these 3 ASX ETFs still deserve a place? For most long-term investors, the answer is yes.

Each ETF plays a distinct role. VAS delivers income and franking benefits. VGS provides broad global diversification. IVV adds concentrated exposure to the world’s most powerful market.

The real question isn’t whether to own them. It’s how to balance them.

Because when combined thoughtfully, this trio still forms one of the strongest core portfolio foundations on the ASX. It’s built for income, growth, and long-term resilience.

The post The biggest ASX ETFs revealed – are they still buys? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 3 amazing ASX ETFs that are beginner-friendly
• How to build a $100,000 ASX share portfolio
• 3 ASX ETFs to buy and hold for the next decade
• Has the ASX 200 or S&P 500 been a better investment this year?
• 10 years to retirement? Here’s how to build a solid income

Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has positions in BHP Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and iShares S&P 500 ETF and is short shares of Apple. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, 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.