Do you have $30,000 to invest but don’t want to choose individual shares?

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) could be a simple solution.

With three well-chosen Vanguard ETFs, investors can gain exposure to major economies, industries, and long-term growth trends.

Here is how I would invest the money.

Vanguard S&P 500 US Shares Index ETF (ASX: V500)

I would place the largest allocation into this Vanguard ETF, which tracks the S&P 500.

The US share market has repeatedly produced companies capable of turning domestic success into global scale. Its leading businesses sell software, medicines, financial services, consumer products, industrial equipment, and digital advertising around the world.

The V500 ETF gives investors access to that breadth through a single ASX investment.

I also like how the S&P 500 changes as the economy develops. Companies that keep growing can become more influential within the index, while fading businesses gradually lose weight or leave altogether.

That makes the ETF more adaptable than a portfolio built around a fixed collection of today’s popular stocks.

The US market can still experience sharp falls, and Australian investors will also be exposed to currency movements. With a long holding period, I think the V500 ETF could form a strong foundation for the $30,000 investment.

Vanguard FTSE Asia Ex-Japan Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAE)

The next fund would give the portfolio a different source of growth.

The VAE ETF invests across Asian economies outside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Its underlying companies are connected to areas such as semiconductors, banking, insurance, manufacturing, online commerce, communication services, and consumer spending.

I like Asia because the region’s investment story extends well beyond a single country or trend.

Rising incomes can create demand for better housing, healthcare, financial products, travel, and branded goods. At the same time, several Asian markets occupy important positions across global manufacturing and technology supply chains.

That combination could support many years of business growth.

This fund will probably deliver a less comfortable journey than a broad developed-market ETF. Political decisions, regulation, currency movements, and changing investor confidence can all create volatility.

I would accept those swings in return for exposure to companies and economies that are still developing at a rapid pace.

Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK)

The final allocation would add a deliberate technology exposure.

The VTEK ETF invests in large and mid-sized technology companies across developed and emerging markets.

I think the long-term case rests on where businesses continue directing their budgets. Companies want faster computing, better cybersecurity, more automation, improved data analysis, and software that helps employees accomplish more.

Artificial intelligence could accelerate that spending, while demand for semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, and digital tools may continue growing alongside it.

There will be some overlap with the V500 ETF because several US technology leaders feature prominently in the S&P 500. I would be comfortable with that because this allocation is intended to place extra weight on an area where I see attractive long-term growth.

Technology shares can also become expensive and fall sharply when expectations change, which is why I would make this Vanguard ETF the smallest holding.

Foolish takeaway

I would place most of the $30,000 into broad US and Asian exposure, with a smaller technology position adding greater growth potential.

I expect the portfolio to move around as markets, currencies, and sentiment change. The real advantage comes from owning thousands of business activities across regions that could keep expanding for decades.

For investors who prefer backing long-term economic growth over choosing individual winners, I think these three Vanguard ETFs offer a great way to put $30,000 to work.

The post 3 Vanguard ETFs to buy with $30,000 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Tourism Holdings Ltd (ASX: THL) share price is in focus today after it lifted its expected FY26 underlying net profit after tax to around $46 million, beating its May forecast. The company also reported a stronger year-end net debt position than anticipated.

What did Tourism Holdings report?

• FY26 underlying net profit after tax (uNPAT) from continuing operations now expected to be ~$46 million (up from previous guidance of $40–$43 million)
• Net debt at 30 June 2026 was $436 million (below previous forecast of $460–$470 million)
• Normalised net debt averaged $453 million over the last month of FY26
• Strong late booking trends and robust vehicle sales in New Zealand drove the improved result

What else do investors need to know?

Tourism Holdings noted favourable year-end interest outcomes and better-than-expected vehicle sales contributed to the upgraded profit forecast. The company also highlighted strong booking momentum across all key regions.

Notably, North America bookings are tracking well ahead of last year, with recent US bookings more than 50% higher. Australia and New Zealand forward bookings have also bounced back after earlier disruptions linked to Middle East geopolitical events.

Tourism Holdings will release its full audited FY26 results and Integrated Report on 25 August 2026.

What’s next for Tourism Holdings?

Management says forward booking trends remain positive, especially in North America where growth rates are strong. With Australia and New Zealand recovering from recent disruptions, Tourism Holdings is increasingly confident about the FY27 Southern Hemisphere summer.

The company sees improved opportunities for growth in both Australia and New Zealand. Investors will be watching the August results for further detail on strategy and outlook.

Tourism Holdings share price snapshot

Over the past 12 months, Tourism Holdings shares have risen 23%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XAO), which is flat over the sam period.

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The post Tourism Holdings ups FY26 guidance as bookings surge appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Laura Stewart has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.

The Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) share price is in focus today after the company announced that CEO Shemara Wikramanayake will retire in November 2026, with Greg Ward named as her successor. The board thanked Wikramanayake for her transformative eight-year tenure and highlighted Macquarie’s ongoing strong business performance.

What did Macquarie Group report?

• Shemara Wikramanayake retiring as CEO effective 6 November 2026
• Greg Ward, current Head of Banking and Financial Services, to become CEO effective 7 November 2026
• Ongoing strong performance across Macquarie’s diverse businesses
• Succession plan subject to necessary approvals

What else do investors need to know?

The announcement marks a major leadership change for Macquarie Group after nearly a decade under Wikramanayake’s leadership and almost 40 years of her service overall. The board credited her with driving Macquarie’s expansion into new markets and enhancing the group’s global brand and client impact, including navigating through the COVID pandemic.

Greg Ward brings vast experience to the role, having served as Macquarie’s Global CFO and Deputy Managing Director before becoming Head of Banking and Financial Services. Under his stewardship, the division grew to become a key player in Australian personal banking, business banking, and wealth management.

What did Macquarie Group management say?

Mr Greg Ward said:

I’m honoured to be asked by the Board to succeed Shemara as Macquarie CEO. Shemara leaves Macquarie incredibly well positioned, with each of our businesses performing strongly. I look forward to working with the Board, management and our entire Macquarie team to build on Shemara’s legacy for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

What’s next for Macquarie Group?

The board has expressed confidence in a smooth leadership transition as Macquarie enters its next phase. With Ward at the helm, the focus is expected to remain on sustained performance and innovation across all business units.

Investors can anticipate strategic continuity, with Ward’s deep knowledge of the business and commitment to Macquarie’s culture aiming to support growth and deliver long‑term value.

Macquarie Group share price snapshot

Macquarie Group shares have outperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) over the past 12 months. During this time, the investment bank’s shares have risen around 13%, while the ASX 200 is up 1%.

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The post Macquarie Group announces new CEO as Shemara Wikramanayake prepares to retire appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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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 Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips. This article was prepared with the assistance of Large Language Model (LLM) tools for the initial summary of the company announcement. Any content assisted by AI is subject to our robust human-in-the-loop quality control framework, involving thorough review, substantial editing, and fact-checking by our experienced writers and editors holding appropriate credentials. The Motley Fool Australia stands behind the work of our editorial team and takes ultimate responsibility for the content published by The Motley Fool Australia.