How can ASX investors buy the US stock the WHOLE world is talking about?

Want to know how to buy the international stock du jour from the comfort of the ASX? Read on!

| More on:
Shot of two young scientists using a laptop in a laboratory.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

ASX investor or not, chances are you might have heard of the 'wonderdrug' Ozempic. Hailed for its benefits for patients with diabetes, Ozempic's potential applications also extend to obesity treatment and weight loss.

As such, this drug's potential benefits have already had a big impact on the ASX, with companies that potentially compete with its applications, such as ResMed Inc (ASX: RMD) and CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), recently being sold off.

As such, many ASX investors might be hoping to invest in Ozempic. Or more specifically, in Novo Nordisk A/S (CPH: NOVO-B)(NYSE: NVO) shares. Novo Nordisk is the pharmaceutical company that produces Ozempic.

But there's a problem for ASX investors. Novo Nordisk shares are nowhere to be found on the ASX.

The company is Danish in origin. So it will come as no surprise to hear that Novo Nordisk's primary public listing is on the Nasdaq Copenhagen Stock Exchange. Most ASX investors don't even have access to this stock market, with only a handful of select brokerage firms offering access.

However, Novo Nordisk does have a secondary listing on the US markets. Specifically on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). So ASX investors with the desire and access to invest in US shares can buy Novo Nordisk stock under the ticker code 'NYSE: NVO' if they so wish.

Want to buy this popular US stock? Try an ASX healthcare ETF

But there is another way to invest in this exciting opportunity on the ASX. It's by using exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Now since Novo Nordisk shares can be found on the NYSE, one would be forgiven for assuming that a simple US index fund might do the job.

But sadly, Novo Nordisk shares aren't a constituent of either the iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) or the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ). Those are two of the most popular US index funds listed on the ASX, but neither holds this company.

But don't despair. There are still ASX ETFs that will allow one to indirectly invest in the Ozempic producer. ASX healthcare ETFs, to be precise.

As we covered back in September, the VanEck Global Healthcare Leaders ETF (ASX: HLTH) is one such fund. Holding 51 healthcare stocks from around the world, this ETF is designed to allow ASX investors access to a range of healthcare companies that aren't listed in Australia. As of 1 November, Novo Nordisk was one such company, commanding a portfolio weighting in HLTH's portfolio of 2.17%.

The BetaShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: DRUG) is another similar fund with 69 underlying holdings. However, Novo Nordisk's holdings within DRUG are more than double that of HLTH, with a weighting here of 5.7%.

Finally, let's talk about the iShares Global Healthcare ETF (ASX: IXJ). This fund operates on a larger scale than those other two healthcare ETFs, with approximately 115 holdings. Despite this, IXJ still offers ASX investors a 4.78% weighted exposure to the Ozempic maker's shares in the portfolio.

So if you're desperate to invest in Ozempic through its maker Novo Nordisk, there are certainly a few options on the ASX to consider today. Even if you don't wish to buy the US or Danish-listed shares directly.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, CSL, and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and ResMed. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

Three Archer Materials scientists wearing white coats and blue gloves dance together in their lab after making a discovery
Healthcare Shares

Why is the Sigma share price soaring 6%?

Sigma has upgraded its FY25 guidance ahead of the anticipated Chemist Warehouse merger completion.

Read more »

Stethoscope with a piggy bank and hundred dollar notes.
Healthcare Shares

Which ASX 200 healthcare share will pay the best dividend yield in 2025?

Earnings season is underway and dividend announcements are on investors' minds.

Read more »

A person is weighed down by a huge stack of coins, they have received a big dividend payout.
Dividend Investing

Looking to bag the record high ResMed dividend? You better hurry!

Unlike the majority of ASX 200 income stocks, ResMed pays dividends every quarter.

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Healthcare Shares

3 reasons to buy CSL shares today

Two investment experts expect a big turnaround for CSL shares in 2025.

Read more »

Business people discussing project on digital tablet.
Healthcare Shares

Down 4%, is the ResMed share price in the buy zone?

Do analysts think investors should be buying the dip? Let's see what they are saying.

Read more »

A man holds his head in his hands, despairing at the bad result he's reading on his computer.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX 100 share is sinking 8% because of Trump's tariffs

Donald Trump has dealt this company a big blow. What's happening?

Read more »

Two scientists in a Rhythm Biosciences lab cheer while looking at results on a computer.
Healthcare Shares

Up 1,090% in a year, why is the Mesoblast share price leaping higher again on Friday?

Mesoblast shares have surged more than 1,000% over the last 12 months.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Earnings Results

ResMed shares rise on strong Q2 result

Let's see how this sleep treatment company performed during the second quarter.

Read more »