Why this could be the easiest way to become a millionaire with shares on the ASX

For Australians aspiring to become a millionaire, there are a number of ASX share investments that could help make it a lot easier.

ASX growth shares are certainly one attractive option. But, it’s good to have one investment, or central investments, that look likely to perform well and can provide investors with adequate diversification as a core part of an investment strategy.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are very useful investment vehicles because they can give investors exposure to different asset exposures. I think the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS) is one of the most effective choices Aussies can make if they want to become a millionaire with a simple investment strategy.

Fantastic investment exposure

The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF gives investors incredible diversification because it’s invested in the global share market.

Owning shares in 10 or 20 different businesses is a solid amount of diversification. The VGS ETF is invested in close to 1,300 businesses from across the world. Based on that, it could easily work as the only investment in someone’s portfolio, though I’d advocate for other holdings too.

The businesses in the portfolio are not just listed in one country, such as the ASX. Companies come from various markets including the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong, Denmark and Singapore.

This fund would be a very effective choice as a one-size-fits-all idea for Australians who are very concentrated on the ASX but want exposure to the global economy.

Pleasingly, the fund has investments across a number of sectors. At the end of November 2025, there were five sectors with a weighting of around 10% or more – information technology (27.7%), financials (16.1%), industrials (11%), consumer discretionary (10.1%) and healthcare (9.9%).

It’s such an effective choice for investors who want to invest in great businesses but do very little ongoing work analysing companies or deciding on which countries/sectors to gain exposure to.

Why this global share-focused fund can help people become millionaires

Diversification for the sake of it doesn’t necessarily bring wealth quicker, though it can help avoid risks and pitfalls.

Thankfully, the VGS ETF is invested in many of the world’s strongest businesses, which is helping the fund itself deliver good returns over time.

Since the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF’s creation in November 2014, it has returned an average of 13.8% per year. This is thanks to its exposure to names like Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Broadcom, as well as plenty of other impressive performers such as Intuitive Surgical.

I’m optimistic the fund can continue to deliver good returns because its portfolio has a return on equity (ROE) ratio of 19.6%. That implies to me that the businesses could collectively deliver good returns on future retained profits.

If someone were to invest $1,500 per month and it returned an average of 13.8% per year it would turn into $1 million in 20 years. That sounds fantastic to me. If a 30-year-old started on that journey, they could have a $1 million portfolio by the time they’re 50!

The post Why this could be the easiest way to become a millionaire with shares on the ASX appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Too scared to pick stocks? These ASX ETFs are beginner friendly
• 3 steps to replace your wage with dividends from ASX shares
• The ETF portfolio I’d build if I never wanted to watch markets again
• 3 things about Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) every smart investor knows
• Forget Westpac shares, these ASX ETFs could be better buys

Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Broadcom and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, and 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.