What ETFs do you recommend for a small portfolio?

Have you already decided if you want a completely hands-off approach or if maybe you'd like to check in on things every now and then?

The thing I don't see mentioned is the fees issue, which on 5000 euros really makes a difference. With some brokers you pay a flat commission on every purchase, which means buying three ETFs might cost you 30 euros right away, while with other platforms (like Degiro or some accounts that now offer commission-free ETFs) you save a lot. On smaller amounts this really matters. Beyond the world index ETFs that everyone rightly recommends, also consider setting aside a portion for the European or Italian market if you want to sleep better at night - it's more of a psychological need than a financial one but it's real.

What I'd add is not to make the classic mistake of putting everything in and then never looking at it again because of various anxieties. With 5000 euros you can easily make an initial deposit and then maybe add small amounts each month if you can - often it works better mentally than dumping it all in at once and watching the total go up and down in the beginning. And once you start seeing your portfolio grow, even slowly, you stop obsessing over it.

For a beginner 5000 euros is a solid start and etfs are really the right choice because you diversify right away without having to study individual companies. I'd start with two or three etfs max so you don't overcomplicate things. a classic move is one that tracks the msci world index or s&p 500, like vanguard or ishares, which gives you solid global exposure already. then maybe I'd add an etf on emerging markets like msci em, so you've got a bit of spice in your portfolio. if you want something even more laid-back you can go for a bond etf, like one tracking european government bonds, which is less volatile but obviously less profitable.

my advice is don't panic if the market dips, it always happens. after a rough day at work I go kayaking and stop checking the charts, it helps keep things in perspective. set it and forget it, time in the market beats timing the market, meaning it's more important to be in the market than to try to enter at the perfect moment. do everything online from your bank or a platform like degiro or interactive brokers that have low fees, and don't look back at it every day, at least not for the first year.