Why Aussie investors are pouring into international ASX ETFs

A new report from Betashares has highlighted key trends amongst investors targeting ASX ETFs. 

The Australian ETF Review shows that the diversification of ASX ETFs is attracting more and more investors every month, particularly into international funds.

After a turbulent few months, global markets staged a strong rebound in April, helping push the Australian ETF industry to a new record of $346 billion in funds under management. Combined with another month of net inflows exceeding $5 billion, the industry recorded its third largest monthly gain in history.

April overview

According to Betashares, the Australian ETF industry set a new record in April, reaching $346 billion in funds under management following another month of inflows exceeding $5 billion. 

Strong flows, combined with a rebound in global markets, drove the third largest single-month dollar gain in the industry’s history.

International equities was the standout asset class for the month, capturing nearly half of all inflows at $2.6 billion – reflecting strong performance across global markets. 

Australian equities and fixed income followed in second and third place respectively.

Market insights 

Hugh Lam, Betashares, Investment Strategist said despite the ongoing fallout from the Iran war, stock market indices staged a remarkable recovery in April buoyed by a still resilient global economy and renewed optimism around the AI hardware/memory theme. 

Following their Q1 2026 earnings results, US mega-cap hyperscalers are forecast to spend US$755 billion on capital expenditures this year. This has fuelled a massive memory supercycle, with markets like South Korea’s KOSPI index having tripled over the last year due to its outsized exposure to memory chip manufacturers, Samsung and SK Hynix.

Mr Lam noted that the oil supply shock still presents downside risks to the global economy should the Strait of Hormuz remain closed for longer than anticipated. 

Structural themes that are either unaffected or bolstered by the Iran war include AI tech hardware, defence and energy security.

Top performing ASX ETFs in April

April’s top performers skewed heavily toward growth and technology exposures, led by Nasdaq-linked strategies and strong gains in thematic equities.

Semiconductor and hydrogen ETFs featured prominently, reflecting continued momentum in AI-driven demand and clean energy optimism. 

The top performers in April were: 

• Global X Ultra Long Nasdaq 100 Hedge Fund (ASX: LNAS) rose 38%
• Global X Hydrogen ETF (ASX: HGEN) rose 35%
• Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI) climbed 30%. 

Inflows were largely focussed on international equities during April amidst volatility in the Australian market. 

The funds that received the most inflows during April were: 

• Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS)
• Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF (ASX: VEU)
• Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS). 

The post Why Aussie investors are pouring into international ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Vanguard International Equity Index Funds – Vanguard Ftse All-World ex-US ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.