3 top ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF in December

Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They give investors more control, more flexibility and, for those willing to manage their own portfolios, the ability to tailor investments to long-term retirement goals.

One of the simplest and most effective ways to build an SMSF portfolio is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

They offer instant diversification, low fees and access to global opportunities without the need to pick individual winners.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could make strong additions to an SMSF next month.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

For long-term retirement investing, very few options beat broad exposure to the US share market. The iShares S&P 500 ETF gives SMSFs access to 500 of America’s largest listed stocks.

This includes a diverse range of giants such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) and Home Depot (NYSE: HD).

The US market has historically been one of the world’s strongest performers, driven by innovation, global competitiveness, and deep corporate profitability.

And with the US economy proving more resilient than expected and rate cuts likely in 2026, this ASX ETF could continue to compound strongly through the next market cycle.

Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

For SMSFs looking to focus on quality, the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF is well worth considering.

Its portfolio leans heavily into global leaders such as Mastercard (NYSE: MA), ASML (NASDAQ: ASML) and Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), with the fund selecting companies that meet strict criteria around profitability and stability.

This makes the Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF a useful complement to broader index funds, offering exposure to high-performing businesses that tend to hold up better during market downturns.

For SMSF owners who want long-term growth without taking on unnecessary risk, this ASX ETF ticks a lot of boxes. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

For SMSFs willing to allocate a portion of their portfolio to higher-growth opportunities, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF could be worth a look.

It provides exposure to Asia’s most powerful tech companies. Its holdings include Tencent (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

Asia’s technology sector remains one of the world’s fastest-growing, fuelled by rising digital adoption, a huge emerging middle class and innovation across cloud computing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

While more volatile than the US market, the long-term potential is significant, making this fund an attractive option.

The post 3 top ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF in December appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Adobe, Amazon, Baidu, Home Depot, JPMorgan Chase, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Tencent, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Adobe, Amazon, Mastercard, Microsoft, Nvidia, 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.