A $100,000 portfolio deserves a proper plan. But what if you don't like picking stocks?
Well, the good news is that there is another way.
With a small number of ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs), it is possible to build a balanced portfolio which offers exposure to global markets, long-term growth themes, and defensive consumer spending.
Here is one way to think about it.
Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be used as the growth engine of the portfolio.
This fund gives investors exposure to the Nasdaq 100, which is home to many of the world's most influential technology and innovation-led companies.
Rather than trying to pick the next winner in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, chips, digital advertising, or consumer technology, this ETF gives investors a broad slice of the companies already shaping those areas.
It is a higher-growth option and will likely come with more volatility than a broad global market fund.
But that volatility is the price investors often pay for exposure to companies with large addressable markets, powerful platforms, and the ability to scale across the world.
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could sit at the centre of the portfolio.
This fund gives investors exposure to a large basket of companies listed across developed markets outside Australia.
That can include businesses from the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and other major markets.
The Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF helps spread money across many countries, sectors, currencies, and companies. It gives investors access to global healthcare, financials, industrials, consumer goods, technology, and other parts of the international share market.
That makes it useful as the core holding. After all, a portfolio built only around the Australian share market can end up heavily exposed to banks, miners, supermarkets, and a small group of large local companies.
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)
Finally, the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF could add a defensive layer to the portfolio.
This fund invests in global consumer staples companies. These are businesses selling products people keep buying through different economic conditions, such as food, beverages, household goods, personal care products, and other everyday essentials.
It is tied less to excitement and more to repeat demand. People may cut back in difficult times, but they still buy groceries, toothpaste, cleaning products, packaged food, and basic household items.
A fund like this can help balance a portfolio that already has exposure to technology and broader global markets.
It will still move with share markets, but its underlying companies tend to be linked to steadier spending habits than many growth sectors.
Constructing this ASX ETF portfolio
One possible $100,000 portfolio with these funds could look like this.
$40,000 in the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF for strong growth potential, $30,000 in Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF for broad global exposure, and $30,000 in the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF for defensive consumer staples exposure
That mix gives investors a global core, a technology-led growth engine, and exposure to everyday consumer spending.
The post How to build a $100,000 ASX ETF portfolio appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended 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.
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