Sources: Betashares Australian ETF Review 2025; Vanguard Index Chart 2026 (index returns before fees). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
We’ve always had a soft spot for investing at home: the banks, the miners, the franking credits. But in 2025, international shares were the number one destination for new ETF money in Australia.
International equity ETFs
$20.5bn
Australian equity ETFs
$13.2bn
That’s 56% more new money flowing into international equities.
Net inflows into Australian-listed equity ETFs, calendar year 2025. Source: Betashares Australian ETF Review 2025. Figures are ETF net inflows, not total investment flows.
What did $10,000 become?
Over the past decade, global shares have rewarded investors. Look back 30 years, though, and Australia comes out slightly ahead. Markets move in cycles, which is exactly why it pays not to rely on one country.
10 years to 30 June 2026
International shares ahead by around $12,300.
30 years to 30 June 2026
Australian shares ahead by around $15,300.
Hypothetical $10,000 invested. Source: Vanguard Index Chart 2026. International shares: MSCI World ex Australia Net Total Return Index (AUD). Australian shares: S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Total Return Index. Returns include reinvested income, before fees and taxes. These are index returns, not InvestSMART portfolio returns. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
A professionally managed portfolio of ASX-listed ETFs that invests across the US, Europe and Asia. One portfolio gives you exposure to sectors that are thin on the ASX: global technology, semiconductors, healthcare and consumer brands.
Invests in
99% international shares
Regions
US, Europe and Asia
Risk rating
Very high
Suggested timeframe
At least 7 years
Minimum investsment
$10,000
Fees
0.44% p.a. management, capped at $880, plus 0.11% p.a. administration
This portfolio
12.30% p.a.
Peer average
8.99% p.a.
Ahead of the peer average over 1, 3 and 5 years, and since inception in October 2014.
Five years to 30 April 2026, after InvestSMART management and administration fees, excluding brokerage, with income reinvested. Peer comparison uses Morningstar data as reported by InvestSMART. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Professionally managed
Our investment team selects and monitors the ETFs, so you don’t need to research individual overseas companies.
Regularly rebalanced
We rebalance the portfolio to keep it on target as markets move.
Built with ETFs
ASX-listed ETFs give you exposure to hundreds of companies around the world, without an overseas brokerage account.
You don’t have to choose between Australia and the world
There’s more than one way to invest globally with InvestSMART. Both are professionally managed, regularly rebalanced and start from $10,000 per portfolio.
Diversified Portfolios
For starting out, or keeping it simple. International shares sit alongside Australian shares, fixed interest, property, infrastructure and cash. The mix depends on the portfolio’s risk profile.
Share held in international equities
Balanced
28%
Growth
34%
High Growth
49.5%
International Equities Portfolio
For investors who already hold other investments and want dedicated exposure to markets outside Australia. A higher-risk option for a timeframe of at least seven years.
Share held in international equities
International
99%
Start with your whole portfolio, not the product. Here’s what we’d weigh up first.
Values can move sharply
International equities are still shares. They can fall during global downturns.
The dollar matters
Unhedged investments are exposed to movements in the Australian dollar, which can lift or reduce your returns.
Timeframe comes first
Money you need in a year or two calls for a very different approach to money invested for a decade or more.
Check what you already own
If you have global exposure elsewhere, you may not need a large extra allocation just because markets have done well.
Put more of the world in your portfolio.
Open an account online in minutes. Minimum investment $10,000.
IMPORTANT: This information is general financial product advice only and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG), Target Market Determination (TMD) or seek professional advice before making any investment decision. The PDS for financial products offered through InvestSMART can be downloaded from this website or obtained by contacting 1300 880 160.
* Unique to InvestSMART, our management fees start from $44 p.a. and are capped at $880 p.a. for investments over $200,000. These fees do not include indirect management fees charged by Exchange Traded Funds, brokerage or administration fees. Administration fees are applicable at 0.11% per annum and include all buy-side brokerage. Sell-side brokerage is applicable at the greater of $4.40 or 0.044% per trade. For more information about fees and costs, please see the Product Disclosure Statement and Investment Menu or click here.
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