International ETFs among top April buys
Advisers sought to capitalise on market turbulence caused by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs in April, according to AUSIEX, but ETFs remain a popular buy.
The monthly trading data found ETFs, especially those focused on global equities, were popular with advised clients as well as blue-chip shares, such as Macquarie Group and Westpac.
The popular ETFs were VanEck MSCI International Quality (Hedged) ETF and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF.
The latter ETF is the second-largest ETF available at more than $10 billion in assets, while the VanEck MSCI International Quality (Hedged) ETF is $1.8 billion.
Looking at advised clients who hold self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs), in addition to the two aforementioned ETFs, they also bought exposure to Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF and SPDR S&P 500 ETF.
For those clients who invested directly, the most traded ETF was Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF and iShares S&P 500 ETF.
April was a testing month for investors, but there are indications advisers are seeking to capitalise on market conditions to build positions, where appropriate, for their clients,” said Chris Hill, national manager for strategic relationships at AUSIEX.
“Overall, financial advisers appeared to rely on a combination of blue-chip shares and exchange traded funds as they sought to steady clients’ portfolios amid April’s volatility and position them for potential future gains.”
ADVISED top 10 bought stocks for April 2025
Macquarie Group
Westpac
BHP
CSL
Woodside
James Hardie
VanEck MSCI International Quality (Hedged) ETF
Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF
Woolworths
In 2024, VanEck found international equity ETFs were a key driver of annual ETF flows, accounting for more than 40 per cent of total net flows at $15 billion. This was double the number of flows into Australian equity ETFs over the same period.
“Compared to last year, where flows to international equities ETFs came in third after fixed income and Australian equities, international equities ETFs have been the clear frontrunner in 2024.”
Over three-quarters (77 per cent) of Australian investors said they were planning to invest in international equity ETFs in the next 12 months, representing a 27 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
AUTHOR
Laura Dew
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