3 strong ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF

Managing a self-managed super fund (SMSF) often means striking a careful balance between growth, diversification, and long-term capital preservation.

While individual shares can play a role, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are increasingly popular with SMSF trustees thanks to their simplicity, transparency, and low ongoing maintenance.

For those looking to strengthen their SMSF portfolio, here are three ASX ETFs that offer global exposure, quality, and long-term growth potential.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF provides an SMSF with exposure to 500 of the largest and most influential companies listed in the United States. These are businesses that dominate their industries and generate significant free cash flow year after year.

The fund includes household names such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT), alongside innovation leaders like Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR).

For a retirement-focused portfolio, this fund offers broad diversification, exposure to global innovation, and participation in the long-term growth of the US economy. And that's all in a single trade!

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be another ASX ETF to buy for an SMSF. It is designed around a simple but powerful idea.

That idea is to invest in fairly valued companies with sustainable competitive advantages. This currently includes high-quality businesses such as Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO), and Nike (NYSE: NKE). These stocks benefit from strong brand awareness, high switching costs, scale, or intellectual property that helps protect profits over time.

For SMSFs, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF's emphasis on economic moats and disciplined valuation makes it particularly appealing. Especially for investors who want growth exposure while managing downside risk.

Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF is focused on stocks that generate strong and sustainable free cash flow. Rather than chasing hype or high revenue growth alone, this ASX ETF targets businesses with proven financial strength.

Holdings include Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Visa (NYSE: V), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), all of which have demonstrated an ability to convert earnings into real cash over long periods.

For SMSFs, this fund offers a blend of quality and resilience. After all, strong cash flow can support reinvestment, balance sheet strength, and shareholder returns, which are valuable characteristics for long-term retirement portfolios. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 strong ASX ETFs to buy for your SMSF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Costco Wholesale, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Visa, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Johnson & Johnson and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Visa, and 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.

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