How to Build Your First Winning ETF Portfolio

Added: 2026-04-29

This video presents a practical five-step framework for building a winning ETF portfolio: (1) Determine if you need income from your portfolio and calculate a sustainable drawdown rate (typically 4-5% annually); (2) Design your portfolio structure using the core-satellite model (80% core, 20% satellite); (3) Choose a diversified core ETF (like VDHG, VDRG, or DHHF) for long-term growth; (4) Build a satellite portfolio of up to 10 ETFs targeting themes your core misses (gold, commodities, energy, infrastructure, emerging markets, defense); (5) Monitor and rebalance quarterly, with monthly satellite reviews. The framework emphasizes that Australia represents only 1.6% of global markets, making international diversification essential, and that a cash buffer of 1.5-3 years of expenses protects against sequence of returns risk.