World Equity Benchmark Series (WEBS): Your Guide to Global ETF Investing in 2025

For decades, Australian investors faced significant hurdles when trying to diversify portfolios beyond the ASX. That changed with the introduction of the World Equity Benchmark Series (WEBS), a pioneering family of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) designed to track major global equity indices. Fast forward to 2025, and WEBS—now more commonly known as iShares country ETFs—remain a crucial tool for anyone looking to capture international growth opportunities.

What Are WEBS and Why Do They Matter?

The World Equity Benchmark Series (WEBS) launched in the mid-1990s as the first exchange-traded funds offering exposure to specific global markets. Instead of buying individual foreign shares or expensive managed funds, Australians could now invest in a single ASX-listed ETF representing, for example, the Japanese, German, or Hong Kong stock market.

• Instant diversification: One trade gives access to dozens or hundreds of companies in a target market.
• Transparency: WEBS track well-known indices, so you always know what you own.
• Liquidity: ETFs trade like shares, allowing easy entry and exit during ASX hours.
• Cost efficiency: Management fees are typically lower than traditional managed funds or LICs.

Today, the WEBS platform is operated by BlackRock as part of the iShares brand, but the core concept remains: giving everyday investors simple, affordable access to global markets.

How WEBS Work: Mechanics and 2025 Trends

Each WEBS ETF is designed to track a benchmark index in its target country or region. For example, the iShares MSCI Japan ETF follows the performance of the MSCI Japan Index, representing large and mid-cap Japanese stocks. With over 40 country and regional ETFs available, Australians can tailor their global exposure with precision.

2025 Updates:

• Lower fees: In response to increased competition, several iShares WEBS ETFs reduced their management fees in 2025, making global diversification more cost-effective than ever.
• ESG integration: Some WEBS ETFs now offer ESG-screened variants, reflecting a growing demand for responsible investing.
• Tax efficiency: New cross-listings and international tax treaties have streamlined withholding tax on distributions, especially for popular US and European WEBS ETFs.

Australian brokers and platforms have also improved access, with fractional investing and automatic reinvestment now standard features for most global ETFs.

WEBS in Action: Real-World Uses for Australian Investors

Consider an Australian investor, Priya, who wants to diversify her portfolio beyond the local market. Using WEBS, she can allocate:

• 30% to an iShares S&P 500 ETF for US exposure
• 20% to an iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF for high-growth economies
• 10% to an iShares MSCI Europe ETF for sectoral and currency diversification

With just three trades, Priya gains instant access to thousands of global companies—no paperwork, no complicated tax filings, and at a fraction of the cost of traditional managed funds.

Tips for 2025:

• Check the ETF’s domicile—some offer better tax treatment for Australian investors.
• Review underlying index methodology, especially for emerging market or ESG-focused WEBS ETFs.
• Monitor currency movements; some WEBS offer hedged and unhedged versions to manage forex risk.

What’s Next for WEBS and Global ETF Investing?

The World Equity Benchmark Series remains a foundational tool for Australians seeking global diversification. With ongoing product innovation, lower fees, and improved tax efficiency in 2025, WEBS ETFs are more accessible and attractive than ever. Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, they offer a simple, transparent pathway to owning the world’s leading companies.