3 ASX ETFs I'd buy for when the market rebounds

If markets recover from here, growth-focused ETFs could lead the way. These are 3 I'd be watching closely.

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The first quarter of 2026 hasn't been kind to investors.

Markets have pulled back, sentiment has weakened, and a lot of growth-focused assets have come under pressure.

That doesn't feel great in the moment. But it can create an interesting setup.

Because when markets do eventually stabilise and rebound, it's often the higher-quality growth exposures that lead the way.

With that in mind, here are three ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs) I'd be looking at right now.

Smiling man sits in front of a graph on computer while using his mobile phone.

Image source: Getty Images

iShares Global 100 ETF (ASX: IOO)

The iShares Global 100 ETF provides exposure to some of the largest and most dominant companies worldwide.

We're talking about global leaders across technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and financials. These are businesses with strong balance sheets, global reach, and proven earnings power.

What I like about the IOO ETF is that it doesn't try to be too clever.

It simply gives you access to a concentrated group of high-quality global companies that have historically performed well over time.

In a rebound scenario, I think these businesses are well-positioned to recover strongly, especially as confidence returns to global markets.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is a more growth-focused option.

It tracks the Nasdaq 100, which is heavily weighted toward technology and innovation-driven companies.

This is typically one of the more volatile parts of the market. When sentiment turns negative, the NDQ ETF tends to fall harder. But when conditions improve, it can also rebound quickly.

That's why I think it's worth considering at times like this.

If the market does turn, exposure to sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital platforms could be a major driver of returns.

Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The Betashares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF offers a more local angle on the same theme.

It provides exposure to Australian technology companies, including names involved in software, payments, and digital services.

These stocks have been hit particularly hard during the recent sell-off, with many trading well below their previous highs.

That can create a higher-risk, higher-reward setup.

If sentiment improves and investors rotate back into growth, the ATEC ETF could benefit as capital flows return to the sector.

Foolish Takeaway

Market pullbacks are never comfortable, but they can create opportunities.

The IOO ETF offers global quality, the NDQ ETF provides exposure to high-growth innovation, and the ATEC ETF adds a more aggressive local tech angle.

They're not guaranteed to rebound quickly, and volatility could continue in the short term.

But if markets do recover from here, I think these are the types of ETFs that could be well-positioned to move higher.

Motley Fool contributor Grace Alvino 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 and is short shares of 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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