The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF

Running an SMSF often changes how you think about investing.

The focus tends to shift away from short-term performance and towards durability, diversification, and outcomes that can support retirement over many years. For that reason, exchange traded funds (ETFs) can play a valuable role in an SMSF.

They offer broad exposure, transparency, and simplicity, without requiring constant decision-making.

With that long-term mindset in place, here are three ASX ETFs that could be well suited to an SMSF portfolio.

VanEck MSCI International Value ETF (ASX: VLUE)

The VanEck MSCI International Value ETF could be worth considering. It provides exposure to global stocks through a value-focused lens.

Rather than targeting fast-growing or high-momentum stocks, this ASX ETF invests in developed market companies that score highly on traditional valuation measures such as earnings, book value, and cash flow. The result is a diversified portfolio of established businesses spread across regions and sectors.

For an SMSF, this approach can be appealing because it emphasises fundamentals and discipline. Many of the stocks held within this fund generate consistent cash flows and operate in mature industries, which can help smooth returns over time.

It was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

Betashares Australian Quality ETF (ASX: AQLT)

The Betashares Australian Quality ETF is another ASX ETF to consider for an SMSF. It focuses on quality within the Australian share market.

This fund selects local stocks based on metrics such as high return on equity, low debt, and earnings stability. This means it tends to favour businesses with strong balance sheets and resilient business models rather than those chasing growth at any cost.

For SMSF investors, the Betashares Australian Quality ETF offers a way to access Australian shares while filtering out weaker operators. It can provide exposure to stocks that have demonstrated an ability to perform across economic cycles, which is particularly relevant when managing retirement savings.

The team at Betashares recently recommended this fund.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

A final option is the classic iShares S&P 500 ETF. This hugely popular ASX ETF offers direct access to the US share market through the S&P 500 Index.

This ETF holds 500 of the largest stocks in the United States, spanning technology, healthcare, consumer goods, financials, and industrials. Many of these businesses are global leaders and household names.

For an SMSF, the iShares S&P 500 ETF can provide essential offshore diversification. It reduces reliance on the Australian economy and allows retirement savings to benefit from innovation, productivity, and scale in the world’s largest equity market.

The post The best ASX ETFs to buy for an SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Morgan Stanley tips 12% upside for US stocks in 2026. Here are 3 ASX ETFs offering exposure
• Investing in the VanEck International Quality ETF (QUAL)? Here’s what you’re really buying
• Why the IVV ETF and these funds could be top buys in 2026
• Investing in the iShares S&P 500 ETF (IVV)? Here’s what you’re really buying
• VGS ETF outperformed ASX IVV in 2025. Here’s why

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 positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.