Buy this top ASX ETF now to make the most of northern summer

As a rule, global stock markets tend to perform worse from June to August, but this ASX ETF could buck that trend.

| More on:
A woman crosses her fingers as she flicks a coin into a fountain, hoping for good luck.

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

While stock markets the world over tend to underperform in northern summer, this ASX ETF (exchange-traded fund) has historically outshined.

The ETF in question is the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ), which aims to track the performance of the NASDAQ 100.

A little over two weeks into June, NDQ hasn't shot the lights out yet. But then the ASX ETF is already up 38% so far in 2023.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Now, here's why NDQ often outperforms other index-tracking ETFs as the southern hemisphere drops into winter and our northern neighbours enjoy some warm days.

Why this ASX ETF looks brighter from June to August

You've likely heard the old investor adage, "Sell in May and go away."

Now I don't recommend taking that advice literally. You can find some great investment opportunities year-round, including, in my opinion, this particular ASX ETF. But as a rule, global stock markets do tend to perform worse from June to August.

With that in mind, the online trading platform e-Toro looked at 45 years of data from major exchanges across the world to uncover which markets were more likely to perform better during the northern summer.

Based on that data, e-Toro reported that the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index (NASDAQ: .IXIC) led the charge among global indexes. The NASDAQ delivered average monthly gains of 0.77% during the June-August period over almost half a century.

Now NDQ only tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX) — the largest 100 NASDAQ companies — not the entire composite index. And the ASX ETF has only been around since 2015, not 45 years. But since its inception, NDQ has gained an impressive 233%, and often (though not always) has managed to outperform during northern summer.

Commenting on why we often see poorer performance on global markets during northern summer, eToro markets analyst Josh Gilbert said:

The peak summer months [in Europe] are typically some of the weakest of the year for global equity markets. This is led by France and Italy, with local investors more likely to be enjoying days on the beach.

Gilbert noted that the ASX and the Hong Kong market "hold their own more than other global markets" during this time.

But investors may want to consider some exposure to an ASX ETF like NDQ that aims to track the NASDAQ's performance.

"Between June and August since 2012, the NASDAQ returned an average of 8.5%, whilst the ASX 200 has returned an average of 2.5%," Gilbert said.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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.

More on ETFs

A group of businesspeople clapping.
ETFs

3 reasons why the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (VGS) is one of the best ASX ETFs

I like a lot about this fund.

Read more »

A group of young ASX investors sitting around a laptop with an older lady standing behind them explaining how investing works.
ETFs

What investors can learn from the best performing ASX ETF of FY25

Can you guess the top preforming ASX ETF of FY25?

Read more »

Two young boys sit at a desk wearing helmets with lightbulbs, indicating two ASX 200 shares that a broker has recommended as buys today
ETFs

3 things about the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (VAS) every smart investor knows

There’s a lot to know about the VAS ETF.

Read more »

A woman sits at her desk thinking. She is surrounded by projections of world maps on various screens with data appearing below them.
ETFs

Which ASX ETFs holding international shares gave investors the best returns in FY25?

These ASX ETFs earned 35% to 90% returns last financial year.

Read more »

Cubes placed on a Notebook with the letters "ETF" which stands for "Exchange traded funds".
ETFs

Australian ASX ETFs that have doubled in the last 5 years

These domestically focused funds have been market beaters.

Read more »

A young well-dressed couple at a luxury resort celebrate successful life choices.
ETFs

How long would it take to build a $1 million ASX share portfolio investing $500 per month?

Reaching $1 million is possible with patience.

Read more »

Man holding out Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
ETFs

5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy with $2,000

Let's see why these funds could be top picks for your hard-earned money.

Read more »

Man pointing an upward line on a bar graph symbolising a rising share price.
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs for growth investors in FY 2026

Let's see what makes these funds top picks for growth investors.

Read more »