The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price will be one to watch on Monday.

This follows the release of the banking giant’s half-year results this morning.

Westpac share price on watch amid profit decline

• Revenue down 8% year on year to $10,230 million
• Operating costs down by 10% or $624 million to $5,373 million
• Cash earnings of $3,095 million, down 12% over the prior corresponding period
• Cash earnings per share down 12% to 85.4 cents
• Net interest margin down 15 basis points to 1.91%
• CET1 ratio of 11.3%
• Fully franked interim dividend of 61 cents per share

What happened during the first half?

For the six months ended 31 March, Westpac reported an 8% decline revenue to $10,230 million.

And despite reducing its operating costs by 10% to $5,373 million, this couldn’t stop the bank from reporting a 12% reduction in its cash earnings to $3,095 million. This was driven largely by poor performances from Westpac’s Consumer and Business segments.

The Consumer segment, which is the bank’s largest segment, reported a 15% decline in cash earnings to $1,646 million. This reflects a lower net interest margin and reduced credit impairment benefits, which offset a 3% increase in mortgages. Westpac advised that its Consumer margins were 25 basis points lower due to continued competition and portfolio mix changes including more fixed rate lending and lower card and personal loan balances.

The Business segment reported a 55% decline in its earnings to $239 million. This was due to a turnaround in impairment charges from a benefit to a charge and a 53 basis point (35 basis points excluding notable items) decline in margins. The latter reflects an increasingly competitive market and low interest rates.

The Westpac Institutional Bank was a positive performer and delivered a 3% increase in cash earnings to $306 million. This was driven by a 17% increase in lending and a 19% reduction in expenses, which was partly offset by lower loan spreads and widening counterparty credit spreads.

The Westpac New Zealand segment reported a 9% increase in cash earnings to NZ$635 million. However, this was driven by a profit on the sale of Westpac NZ Life. Excluding notable items, cash earnings fell 15% due to lower impairment benefits.

Finally, the Specialist Businesses segment delivered a 13% increase in cash earnings to $132 million. Though, once again, excluding notable items, cash earnings would have been down 41%.

Management commentary

Westpac’s CEO, Peter King, remains upbeat on the Australian economy despite the challenges it faces. He said:

The first half of 2022 has been challenging for many customers. Floods, the lingering effects of the pandemic and the impact of the war in Ukraine have set many customers back and created uncertainty. However, the Australian economy is robust.

Consumer spending may be tempered by higher prices and higher interest rates. However, the positives of strong household and business balance sheets, combined with the continued reopening of international borders and local economies, will likely increase economic activity.

We expect the Australian economy to expand by 4.5% in 2022 but slow to 2.5% in 2023. Credit growth is forecast to be a strong 5.7% in 2022 slowing to 4.3% in 2023.

Mr King also spoke briefly about the housing market, which he notes has already started to show signs of cooling as rates rise. The CEO was also quick to point out that the bank and its customers are prepared for higher rates.

Demand for housing has already shown some signs of easing and rising interest rates are expected to contribute to a moderation in house prices next year. As the economy moves into the rising rate cycle, it’s important to remember that rates are moving from a very low base and we already assess loan applications on higher rates, consistent with regulatory requirements.

Finally, Mr King laid out his plans for the bank’s future, with Westpac focusing keenly on its Fix, Simplify and Perform strategy.

We will continue to deliver on our Fix, Simplify and Perform priorities. The CORE program is delivering to plan and improving our risk management capability. Our portfolio simplification is making the bank simpler.

The next big step is exiting super and platforms and we are well progressed. To improve performance, we are digitising customer journeys, improving customer service, growing in our core markets and resetting the cost base. Together these things are critical to delivering for our people, customers and shareholders.

How does the result compare to expectations?

According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, its analysts were expecting Westpac to report cash earnings of $3,146 million, a net interest margin of 1.82%, and a fully franked interim dividend of 60 cents per share.

This means that the bank has missed on its cash earnings but beaten on its net interest margin and dividend.

Another positive that could be supportive of the Westpac share price is that the bank has reiterated its bold cost reduction target despite two of its peers abandoning their own targets last week. Westpac continues to target a cost base of $8 billion by FY 2024.

The post Westpac share price on watch amid half-year profit slide appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday
• Own Westpac shares? Here’s what to expect from the bank’s half-year results
• Why ASX 200 bank shares are in the spotlight
• Here’s how some of the biggest ASX 200 shares are responding to the RBA’s rate rise
• The ASX 200 shares that fund managers are buying and dumping

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 recommended Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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After seeing supermarkets slash prices for a decade to lure customers, grocery shoppers will find the current inflation surge jarring.

At the start of the year there were already supply constraints triggered from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

But just a few months later, price rises caused by recent floods in the eastern states and global shortages arising from the war in Ukraine have added to the inflation pile-on.

Inflation is raging sufficiently that Reserve Bank of Australia last week raised interest rates by 25 basis points.

Montgomery Investment Management portfolio manager Stuart Jackson forecasts that a certain subset of food retailers will benefit.

“This ‘new normal’ should play well for the value end of food retailing,” he said on the Montgomery blog.

“The biggest loser is likely to be Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) and independent specialty stores.”

Why Coles will be a winner from inflation

Out of the other ASX-listed supermarkets, Jackson picked Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) as the winner.

He noted the data coming out of Coles’ latest 13-week sales report last week.

“Coles stated that it is now seeing price inflation in almost every category,” said Jackson.

“As a result, overall food inflation increased from -0.2% in the December quarter of 2021 to 3.3% in the March quarter of 2022.”

But food inflation was “fairly benign” until now, and the real painful price increases are underway in the current quarter.

“The majority of product prices have not increased in Coles as yet… But the inflationary pressure on suppliers is increasing, not decreasing,” said Jackson.

“Rising input and logistics costs are forcing manufacturers to push through price increases to retailers. This is now seeing price inflation on a fairly broad basis.”

And historically, food inflation has led to improvements in supermarket earnings and margins.

There are three ways supermarkets deal with supplier cost increases: absorb the inflation, increase dollar-for-dollar (therefore decrease margin percentage), or increase by the same margin percentage.

According to Jackson, Coles would push through the majority of its price hikes through the second method.

“Therefore, there is likely to be some dilution of gross margin percentage from the current inflationary wave,” he said.

“However, this will be offset by continued efficiency gains under the ‘Smarter Selling; and strategic sourcing programmes.”

The Coles share price is already up 4.3% so far this year, while paying out a 3.27% dividend yield.

Why Metcash will be a loser from inflation

Jackson admitted Metcash’s IGA chain benefited the past two years from a shift to shopping locally.

But he feels like this is temporary pandemic-induced behaviour that will soon subside.

“What is likely to be a key driver of consumer shopping patterns is increasing pressure on household budgets from accelerating food inflation,” said Jackson.

“This should see consumers become increasingly more budget and price sensitive, with a shift back to fewer but larger shops.”

And as supply constraints improve in the coming months, smaller players like IGA will find it increasingly difficult to lure customers away from the big chains like Coles and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

“The restrictions on product availability also reduced promotional intensity by around 300 to 400 basis points for supermarkets,” Jackson said.

“As availability recovers, promotional activity by the major supermarkets will return to more normal levels, increasing the perceived value proposition of the two major supermarket chains.”

Metcash shares are 4.92% higher than where they started this year, all while paying out a handsome 4.26% dividend yield.

The post Which ASX supermarket shares could win (and lose) as higher inflation hits shelves? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Here’s how the Woolworths share price stacked up in April

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo 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 positions in and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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There might be many differing opinions about where ASX shares will head, but there seems to be consensus on one thing: it will be a volatile ride.

According to a Wilsons memo to clients, stock markets have been stressed since December after a transition in investor attitude.

“Risk aversion in equity markets has shifted as inflationary pressures and higher bond yields have placed downside pressure on equity valuations.”

Since then, the war in Ukraine plus a surge in oil and food prices have really poured petrol on the inflation flame.

“As the risks of rapid [monetary] tightening and the Ukrainian conflict play out, Australian equity markets will remain susceptible to volatility although Australian equities are proving relatively resilient compared to global equities.”

Considering this, what are some of the ASX shares that the team at Wilsons reckon are the best ones to hold at the moment?

‘Defensive growth’ is the answer

To answer this, Wilsons analysts note how the mood has changed ever so slightly over the last few weeks.

“The narrative has changed slightly over the last month with defensives starting to outperform the market,” read their memo.

“Sectors like healthcare and consumer staples, along with utilities, have performed well against a backdrop of higher uncertainty around the US Fed’s and RBA’s hiking expectations and the impact this will have on the economy.”

The team is forecasting inflation will cool off by the end of the year, but the outlook on rates and bond yields remain “murky”.

All this has led to a preference for “defensive growth” ASX shares.

“With the market concern on global economic growth due to China’s COVID lockdowns, the Russia/Ukraine conflict and a period of aggressive hiking from the US Fed, we think it is sensible to have an above-average allocation to defensives,” the memo read.

“Our picks are healthcare, insurance and telco.”

Specifically, Wilsons names these four stocks as fitting the bill:

• CSL Limited (ASX: CSL)
• Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG)
• Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS)
• Healthco Healthcare and Wellness REIT (ASX: HCW)

The team is still staying away from the more adventurous growth shares, like in the technology sector.

“We believe that the next couple of months will continue to be an edgy period for markets as rates rise,” read the memo.

“We think a barbell tilt towards both cyclical/value and defensives is sensible. We are looking for more clarity from central banks and a more benign outlook for bond yields to rotate back to growth.”

The post 4 ‘defensive growth’ ASX shares to buy in turbulent times: Wilsons appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Could these 3 ASX dividend shares still beat the piggybank if rates hit 2.5%?

Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo has positions in CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Insurance Australia Group Limited and Telstra Corporation Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) finished the week in a very disappointing fashion. The benchmark index sank 2.2% to 7,205.6 points.

Will the market be able to bounce back from this on Monday? Here are five things to watch:

ASX 200 expected to tumble

The Australian share market looks set to start the week in the red following a poor night on Wall Street on Friday. According to the latest SPI futures, the ASX 200 is expected to open the day 51 points or 0.7% lower this morning. On Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 0.3%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.6%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 1.4%.

Oil prices rise again

Energy producers Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) could have a decent start to the week after oil prices pushed higher again. According to Bloomberg, the WTI crude oil price rose 1.4% to US$109.77 a barrel and the Brent crude oil price climbed 1.5% to US$112.39 a barrel. Oil prices rose after supply concerns continued.

Westpac half-year results

The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price will be on watch when Australia’s oldest bank releases its half-year results. According to a note out of Goldman Sachs, for the six months ended 31 March, its analysts expect the banking giant to report cash earnings of $3,146 million. This will be an 11% decline on the prior corresponding period. A net interest margin of 1.82% and a 60 cents per share fully franked interim dividend are also expected.

Gold price rises

Gold miners Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) could have a good start to the week after the gold price rose on Friday night. According to CNBC, the spot gold price is up 0.4% to US$1,882.8 an ounce. However, this wasn’t enough to stop the precious metal from recording its third consecutive weekly decline amid rising rates.

REA share price is in the buy zone

The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price was sold off last week after the property listings company’s third-quarter update disappointed. Goldman Sachs appears to see this as a buying opportunity. This morning the broker has reiterated its buy rating with a trimmed price target of $164.00.

The post 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• These were the best performers on the ASX 200 last week
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• Here are the top 10 ASX shares today
• On a dire day for the ASX, the BrainChip share price just leapt 11%. What’s going on?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Westpac Banking Corporation. 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 recommended REA Group Limited and Westpac Banking Corporation. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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Once again, a large number of broker notes hit the wires last week. Some of these notes were positive and some were bearish.

Three sell ratings that investors might want to hear about are summarised below. Here’s why top brokers think investors ought to sell these shares next week:

AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their sell rating and 90 cents price target on this financial services company’s shares. Although AMP’s latest funds under management update was in line with the broker’s expectations, its assets under management disappointed. In light of this and its belief that AMP’s shares are expensive, the broker appears to see no reason to change its recommendation at this point. The AMP share price ended the week at $1.18.

Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT)

A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their sell rating and cut the price target on this travel agent’s shares to $15.55. Citi was disappointed with Flight Centre’s quarterly update, which revealed softer than expected revenue margins. It feels that this and its break-even total transaction value requirement points to the company taking on very low margin revenue. The Flight Centre share price was fetching $20.98 on Friday.

Magellan Financial Group Ltd (ASX: MFG)

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have retained their underweight rating and $11.00 price target on this fund manager’s shares. This follows the release of Magellan’s funds under management update, which the broker estimates saw $1.5 billion flow out of the company’s funds last month. And while Morgan Stanley acknowledges that Magellan’s investment performance improved in April, it is still underperforming on longer term measures, which is unlikely to be supportive on fund inflows. The Magellan share price ended the week at $17.25.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• These were the best performers on the ASX 200 last week
• Could the worst now be over for the AMP share price?
• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to sell today
• AMP share price rebounds as Woolworths ends $4b superannuation contract
• Magellan share price lifts as FUM tumbles again

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 no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Flight Centre Travel Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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Last week saw a number of broker notes hitting the wires once again. Three buy ratings that investors might want to be aware of are summarised below.

Here’s why brokers think investors ought to buy them next week:

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ)

According to a note out of UBS, its analysts have retained their buy rating and lifted their price target on this banking giant’s shares to $32.00. UBS was pleased with ANZ’s performance during the first half of FY 2022 and notes that its results came in ahead of expectations. Though, the broker acknowledges that the quality of the earnings beat was low and driven by write-backs. Overall, the broker feels the bank’s shares are cheap, particularly given its improving outlook as rates rise. The ANZ share price ended the week at $26.76.

Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Ltd (ASX: DMP)

A note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating and lifted their price target on this pizza chain operator’s shares to $108.42. Citi highlights that Domino’s US has reported a recovery in the carryout channel. Assuming the carryout channel is also recovering in other European markets, the broker expects this to be a positive for the company, particularly in markets like France where it had a strong carryout business pre-Covid. The Domino’s share price was fetching $66.29 at Friday’s close.

Lovisa Holdings Ltd (ASX: LOV)

Another note out of Citi reveals that its analysts have retained their buy rating but trimmed their price target on this fashion jewellery retailer’s shares to $20.40. Citi notes that Lovisa latest trading update reveals that its strong sales growth has continued despite global supply constraints. Looking ahead, the broker is bullish on Lovisa due to its long term growth potential underpinned by existing markets and potential new markets. The Lovisa share price ended the week at $16.63.

The post Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Analysts say investors should buy these top ASX shares
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• Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today
• Why ANZ, ARB, Janus Henderson, and Temple & Webster shares are falling
• What’s pushing the Lovisa share price higher on Thursday?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Life360, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Life360, Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Dominos Pizza Enterprises Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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The New Hope Corporation Limited (ASX: NHC) share price has risen by close to 60% in 2022. Could the coal miner keep going up?

New Hope is one of the largest coal miners in Australia. It currently has a market capitalisation of more than $3 billion according to the ASX.

What has happened to the New Hope share price?

A couple of months ago the business announced its FY22 half-year result.

With that result, it disclosed that the average sales price achieved at 31 January 2022 was A$192.38 per tonne. That represented an increase of 147% compared to a year ago. The closing realised price for the reporting period was A$236.66 per tonne.

The miner reported underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $554.4 million, which was a rise of 583%.

It generated $330.4 million, which compares to a loss of $55.4 million in the prior corresponding period.

The CEO of New Hope, Rob Bishop, said that the company is “well-positioned to continue generating strong, sustainable shareholder returns, with demand for high-quality, lower-emissions thermal coal expected to remain robust in the short to medium term as supply remains constrained.”

Mr Bishop pointed to “strong demand and lower than normal stock levels held by customers” as reasons for why the thermal coal price has been pushed well above the long-term average. New Hope said that its forward sales book will support “robust returns”.

The business grew its interim dividend from 4 cents to 17 cents, while also declaring a 13 cents per share special dividend.

Is the New Hope share price an opportunity?

According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review, Merlon Capital Partners lead portfolio manager Neil Margolis thought that the New Hope share price was attractive in 2020.

Mr Margolis points out that despite the large rise of New Hope, it is still on a cash flow yield “well north” of 50%. However, the fund manager doesn’t think a US$300 per tonne spot price will be maintained. For that reason, Merlon has been taking some profits.

However, Mr Margolis does still see value in the business, stating:

Being screened out by many large institutional investors on ESG is a reason it still offers value. We favour active ownership over divestment and have engaged constructively with the board indicating our preference for existing mines over expansion, responsible site remediation and the return of all surplus cash-flows and franking credits to shareholders, rather than pursuing capital destructive growth projects and acquisitions.

Expectations for FY22

The forecast on Commsec is that New Hope will generate $1.04 of earnings per share (EPS) and pay an annual dividend of 73 cents per share.

That puts the New Hope share price at 3.5x FY22’s estimated earnings with an estimated FY22 grossed-up dividend yield of 29%.

The post The New Hope share price has rallied 60% in 2022. Is there more to come? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• Here’s why the New Hope share price is sliding 7% today

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 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.

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Leading brokers are keeping their faith in stalwart blue-chip ASX share, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL). This is despite the biotherapies company’s shares trading 20% down on their pre-pandemic peak of $336.40.

CSL finished the session on Friday at $268.16, down 2.93% for the day and almost 8% down year-to-date.

A major reason for the CSL share price being this low is two very tough years during the pandemic. CSL relies on blood plasma donations to develop its suite of medicines and vaccines. COVID-19 lockdowns around the world, particularly in the United States, made this incredibly difficult.

What has been happening lately for CSL?

As my Fool colleague Monica reported on Tuesday, plasma collections are now roughly back to pre-pandemic levels. CSL is also using new technology to reduce the time it takes to donate plasma by 30%.

In addition, CSL is awaiting the finalisation of its acquisition of Swiss company, Vifor Pharma. Vifor is a world leader in the development and manufacture of products to treat kidney disease and iron deficiency. CSL recently told the ASX that everything was on track for the purchase to be completed next month.

The company also presented at the 2022 Macquarie Australia Conference in Sydney this week.

So, what are the experts saying about CSL?

Citi recently reaffirmed its buy rating on CSL with a share price target of $335 price target. This implies a potential 25% upside on Friday’s closing price.

Bell Potter likes CSL’s leadership position in plasma therapies and also what the Vifor Pharma buy will do for the company. The broker explained:

The soon to be completed acquisition of Vifor Pharma will add global leadership in pharmaceutical products for renal disease and iron deficiency.

The global growth in plasma volumes is expected to be around a solid 8% per annum for the foreseeable future and, in addition, the group is planning to launch new products from its very extensive Research and Development portfolio.

History of the CSL share price

The CSL share price began a fantastic decade of growth in late 2011 when it was trading at about $30. Over about the next five years, CSL shares grew in value by 225%. They cracked the $200 mark in mid-2018 and the $300 mark in early 2020.

CSL currently trades on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 52.79 and pays an annual dividend yield of 1.12%.

The post The CSL share price has tumbled 8% this year. Here’s why these top brokers still have faith appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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Citigroup is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has positions in CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL Ltd. 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.

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If you’re looking for an easy way to invest in international shares for diversification purposes, then exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be the way to do it.

But which ETFs could be top options right now? Listed below are three excellent ETFs that could be worth considering as long term investments:

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

This popular ETF gives investors exposure to the growing Asian economy. The BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides investors with easy access to a number of the most promising tech shares in the Asian market. This means you’ll be owning a slice of well-known companies such as ecommerce giant Alibaba, search engine company Baidu, and WeChat owner Tencent. BetaShares highlights that the technology sector is underrepresented in the Australian share market and may also provide a complement for investors with an existing allocation to U.S. based technology companies.

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF could be an ETF to consider if you’re interested in the high risk world of cryptocurrencies. BetaShares notes that the fund gives investors exposure to the growth potential of the crypto economy through a portfolio of companies that are at the forefront of the crypto world. This includes crypto trading platforms, crypto mining and mining equipment firms, and other companies servicing crypto markets. Among its holdings you’ll find Coinbase, Core Scientific, Galaxy Digital, Riot Blockchain, and Silvergate.

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ETF to look at is the VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. When everybody’s favourite investor, Warren Buffett, looks for an investment, he has a preference for companies with sustainable competitive advantages or moats. VanEck has taken this into account and built a whole ETF around it. This ETF currently contains 52 attractively priced companies with sustainable competitive advantages. These include the likes of Alphabet (Google), Boeing, Coca Cola, Kellogg Co, Meta Platforms (Facebook), Philip Morris, and Walt Disney.

The post 3 high quality ETFs for ASX investors to buy this month 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 Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF and VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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If you’re looking for an easy way to invest in international shares for diversification purposes, then exchange traded funds (ETFs) could be the way to do it.

But which ETFs could be top options right now? Listed below are three excellent ETFs that could be worth considering as long term investments:

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

This popular ETF gives investors exposure to the growing Asian economy. The BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides investors with easy access to a number of the most promising tech shares in the Asian market. This means you’ll be owning a slice of well-known companies such as ecommerce giant Alibaba, search engine company Baidu, and WeChat owner Tencent. BetaShares highlights that the technology sector is underrepresented in the Australian share market and may also provide a complement for investors with an existing allocation to U.S. based technology companies.

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF could be an ETF to consider if you’re interested in the high risk world of cryptocurrencies. BetaShares notes that the fund gives investors exposure to the growth potential of the crypto economy through a portfolio of companies that are at the forefront of the crypto world. This includes crypto trading platforms, crypto mining and mining equipment firms, and other companies servicing crypto markets. Among its holdings you’ll find Coinbase, Core Scientific, Galaxy Digital, Riot Blockchain, and Silvergate.

VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

Another ETF to look at is the VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. When everybody’s favourite investor, Warren Buffett, looks for an investment, he has a preference for companies with sustainable competitive advantages or moats. VanEck has taken this into account and built a whole ETF around it. This ETF currently contains 52 attractively priced companies with sustainable competitive advantages. These include the likes of Alphabet (Google), Boeing, Coca Cola, Kellogg Co, Meta Platforms (Facebook), Philip Morris, and Walt Disney.

The post 3 high quality ETFs for ASX investors to buy this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• 2 excellent ETFs for investors to buy in May
• 3 top ETFs for ASX investors to buy and hold for 10 years
• The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF has dumped 23% in a month. Is it now a bargain?
• 2 exciting ETFs for ASX investors this month
• 3 high quality ETFs for ASX investors to buy today

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 Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF and VanEck Vectors Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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