EXUS

Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.

Market regime

Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.

In a portfolio

A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.

The biggest, most established companies. More stable earnings, lower volatility and often steadier dividends than the broad market.

Market regime

Holds up comparatively well in downturns and uncertain markets; tends to lag small-caps and growth during the most aggressive bull runs.

In a portfolio

A dependable core building block suited to long-term holding.

Holdings are weighted by company size, so the largest companies carry the most weight. These funds are cheap, tax-efficient and self-rebalancing.

Market regime

Works in almost any regime as a low-maintenance core. The trade-off is concentration — you automatically own more of whatever has already become expensive at the top of a bull market.

In a portfolio

The classic buy-and-hold core of most portfolios. Well suited to long-term, hands-off investing.

US-listed companies — the world's deepest, most innovation-heavy market and home to the mega-cap tech names. Has led global returns for over a decade.

Market regime

Strong leadership has left valuations high and the index heavily concentrated in a handful of tech giants. Unhedged funds also rise and fall with the AUD/USD exchange rate.

In a portfolio

A legitimate core holding for global exposure, but be aware you are buying after a long run of outperformance and at elevated valuations.