Is this the best ASX ETF? $3.6 billion in returns suggests it might be!

10 years of returns shows this ASX ETF is a winner.

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Key points

  • The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has surpassed $7 billion in assets under management, demonstrating its popularity among ASX-listed ETFs.
  • Over the past decade, the ETF has delivered an impressive 19.87% annual return, generating over $3.67 billion in returns for investors.
  • The fund's strong performance is driven by holdings in major growth and innovation companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple, collectively known as the Magnificent Seven.

A new report from Bestashares shows the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has recently passed $7 billion in assets under management (AUM) for the first time. 

As the name suggests, the fund aims to track the performance of the Nasdaq 100 Index. The Nasdaq 100 comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market. 

While assets under management is proof that it is one of the more popular ASX ETFs, it's the annual returns that cements this ASX ETF as one of the best to own for investors. 

According to Betashares, it has one of the highest 10-year returns of any ETF in Australia to 29 August 2025, returning 19.87% p.a.

Australians have entrusted some $3.85 billion of their savings to be invested in NDQ ETF since its inception, and with that NDQ ETF has generated over $3.67 billion in returns.

Over $3 billion has come in the form of capital gains, with another $430 million approximately paid out as distributions (as at 23 September 2025).

Outpacing the ASX 200 

The ASX ETF provider said this performance has been possible because the Nasdaq 100 Index contains many of the companies which have been the major forces in driving global growth and innovation over the last decade.

The largest 10 holdings by weight are: 

  • Nvidia – 9.42%
  • Microsoft – 8.28%
  • Apple – 7.79%
  • Alphabet (combined) – 6.23%
  • Amazon – 5.38%
  • Broadcom – 5.23%
  • Meta Platforms – 3.71%
  • Tesla – 3.32%
  • Netflix – 2.77%
  • Costco – 2.28%

Unsurprisingly, the standouts have been the Magnificent seven. Collectively, the Magnificent Seven have increased their earnings by US$124 billion over the past 12 months – significantly higher than the total earnings of the ASX 200. 

How much could investors make from this ASX ETF?

While past performance doesn't guarantee future returns, let's hypothetically look at the 10 year average of 19.87% p.a. 

Assuming this continued, an investment of $10,000 today would be worth the following over the next 5 years: 

  • Year 1: $11,987
  • Year 2: $14,369
  • Year 3: $17,224
  • Year 4: $20,646
  • Year 5: $24,749. 

This hypothetical investment is before fees and not including any dividends or reinvestment plan.

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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