Not everyone wants to monitor earnings updates, track sector rotations, or decide which individual dividend stock to buy next.
Some investors simply want reliable income, broad diversification, and minimal effort. If that sounds appealing, I think there's a strong case for building a "lazy" passive income portfolio using just one ASX ETF.
If I had to choose only one, I'd look at the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF (ASX: VHY).
Here's why.
Diversification in a single trade
The VHY ETF currently holds 79 ASX shares, focusing on companies with higher forecast dividend yields.
With one purchase, you gain exposure to some of the largest income generators in the Australian market. Its top holdings include BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS), Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX: RIO), Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS), and Transurban Group (ASX: TCL).
That mix gives exposure across banks, resources, infrastructure, energy, and telecommunications. Instead of trying to pick which bank will perform best or whether BHP is preferable to Rio, the ETF spreads your money across them.
For a passive-income investor who wants simplicity, that level of diversification is powerful.
A balanced income stream
The Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF currently averages a dividend yield of around 4%, paid quarterly.
In my view, that is an attractive starting point. It is high enough to generate meaningful income, but not so high that it suggests excessive risk. Very high dividend yields can sometimes signal stretched payout ratios or vulnerable earnings. A diversified 4% yield backed by large, established ASX shares feels more sustainable.
For investors who are still accumulating wealth, those dividends can be reinvested to buy more ETF units, which in turn generate more income. Over time, that compounding effect can significantly boost total returns.
For investors approaching retirement, the same income stream can instead be used to support living expenses.
Why this suits "lazy" investors
A one-ETF approach removes complexity.
There is no need to monitor individual earnings reports closely or worry about whether one company might cut its dividend. The ETF structure spreads that risk across dozens of holdings.
It also makes regular investing straightforward. You can add to the same fund consistently each month or quarter without constantly reassessing your portfolio construction.
That simplicity can be an advantage. In my experience, the fewer moving parts in a portfolio, the easier it is to stay disciplined during market volatility.
The trade-off to understand
Of course, using just one ETF means your exposure is concentrated in the Australian market. The VHY ETF has meaningful weightings in banks and resource companies because those sectors tend to offer higher dividend yields.
That concentration is part of the design. It supports income, but it also means performance will be influenced by how those sectors perform over time.
For an investor seeking global diversification, a single high-yield Australian ETF may not be enough. But for someone who wants a straightforward, income-focused strategy with minimal effort, it can be a very practical solution.
Foolish Takeaway
Building a passive income portfolio does not need to be complicated.
With the Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF, you gain exposure to 79 dividend-paying ASX shares in a single trade, with an average yield of around 4%.
For investors who value simplicity, diversification, and steady income over constant stock picking, this kind of one-ETF strategy could be one of the easiest ways to build a truly "lazy" passive income portfolio on the ASX.
The post How to build a 'lazy' passive income portfolio with just 1 ASX ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino has positions in Commonwealth Bank Of Australia and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group and Transurban Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026