The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has become one of the most popular international ETFs on the ASX.
This is for good reason.
This fund gives Australian investors incredibly easy access to the world's most innovative companies, many of which have reshaped entire industries and delivered outstanding long-term returns.
If you're looking for a simple, growth-focused investment to hold for many years, here are five reasons why this ASX ETF could deserve a spot in your portfolio.
Reason 1: Exposure to the world's technology leaders
The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF tracks the Nasdaq-100 Index, which includes many of the most influential companies on the planet. This means instant exposure to giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). These are the businesses driving advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors and digital services.
These companies have enormous competitive advantages, global customer bases, and innovation pipelines that could continue powering growth for years to come.
Reason 2: A simple way to invest in the AI boom
Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the defining themes of the decade, and this ASX ETF gives you broad, diversified exposure to the companies leading the wave.
Nvidia's GPUs power most major AI models. Microsoft is integrating AI across its entire product ecosystem. And Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), and Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), are embedding AI into everything from advertising to cloud services.
Instead of trying to pick which AI stocks will win, this fund lets you own many of the global leaders in one trade.
Reason 3: Strong long-term performance
The Nasdaq-100 index has been one of the best-performing major indices over the past 10 years, driven by strong earnings growth and the increasing dominance of technology-driven companies.
This has seen the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF deliver an incredible average return of 20% per annum since 2015.
And while past performance is not guaranteed to continue, the index has historically outpaced broader US and global markets due to its focus on innovation-heavy sectors.
Reason 4: Diversification
Although the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is often viewed as a tech ETF, it provides exposure across several fast-growing sectors. The fund includes companies in biotechnology, digital entertainment, cybersecurity, e-commerce, communication services, and cloud computing. This diversification helps spread risk while still capturing some of the most powerful structural growth trends in the global economy.
Reason 5: A set-and-forget investment
The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is arguably ideal for investors who want global growth without constantly monitoring the market.
The index automatically updates to reflect the top 100 non-financial stocks listed on the Nasdaq, meaning the fund naturally adjusts as winners rise and weaker businesses fall away. This ensures the portfolio stays focused on the strongest companies in the index at all times.
Foolish takeaway
Whether you're chasing long-term growth, looking to ride the AI and technology megatrends, or simply want exposure to the world's most innovative companies, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers a very efficient and compelling way to invest globally.
