ASX NASDAQ (NDQ) ETF: Up 30% in a year, should you buy now or wait?

Tech continues to dominate in 2024. Will this continue?

| More on:
A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.

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

The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) has been a standout on the ASX in 2024, given its direct exposure to markets in the United States.

The exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracks the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX), net of fees and costs.

The NASDAQ is a basket of the top 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the US exchanges. Since its formation in 1985, its composition has been heavily weighted toward technology.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL4 Jul 20234 Jul 2024Zoom ▾Sep '23Nov '23Jan '24Mar '24May '24Jul '24Oct '23Oct '23Jan '24Jan '24Apr '24Apr '240www.fool.com.au

The ASX NDQ ETF has rallied around 30% over the past year and closed trading on Thursday at $44.64 per share.

With this impressive run, many investors may be wondering if now is the right time to buy or if they should wait for a better opportunity.

Asset management giant Lazard released its half-yearly market commentary. Here's a look at what the firm said and what it means for the ASX NDQ.

Why the ASX NDQ ETF is thriving

The ETF is heavily weighted in technology and innovation, which have been key drivers of its performance.

Specifically, it has benefitted from the robust performances of major tech giants in the US in 2024.

Dubbed the Magnificent 7 among market commentators, companies like Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) are a few of the tech darlings that have driven the fund's growth – with Nvidia almost tripling in value over the year.

But Lazard sees potential risks in this trend continuing at the same rate of dominance.

According to Ronald Temple, Lazards's chief market strategist, the ongoing technology and artificial intelligence (AI) boom has contributed significantly to the market's recent gains.

That's great, but it might not last forever, Temple warns. This could impact the ASX NDQ ETF.

If this overall market growth is to be sustainable, tech companies must demonstrate a return on investment from their tech and AI expenditures.

Other non-tech companies must start to pull their weight as well, Temple says:

From my perspective, the only way the mega-cap tech companies can continue to deliver market-beating earnings growth is if their customers realize a return on investment from buying their goods and services…

… Upside from current levels will need to be driven by earnings growth and a broadening of the equity market rally beyond a small number of technology-related companies.

Despite these concerns, the long-term outlook for tech remains positive. Slowing US inflation, which Lazard expects "to decelerate" by the end of 2024, supports this outlook.

Is now the right time to buy?

With its FY24 performance, the question is whether investing in the NDQ ETF right now is a smart move.

Many are looking into the coming 12 months as well. Additionally, there are interest rate decisions. There is also inflation. Furthermore, unemployment rates are a factor. There are also trade deficits. You name it.

But all of this is just noise for the patient, long-term investor.

Attempting to time the market is a fool's game (and not our kind of Fool!). Lazard's Temple agrees. He says that owning stocks over the long term is "among the best" investment strategies.

"[B]ut", he adds, " it is important to be fully invested through the cycle and to not try to time the markets."

In fact, one recent analysis indicated that over the 20 years from 2003 to 2022, investors who missed the 10 strongest up-days in the US equity market forfeited over half of the total return from the entire investment period.

While no one likes to buy at the peak, it's also important to recognise that five years from now, such a purchase, if targeted based on the quality of the investment and the valuation thereof, will often be seen as a wise decision.

Foolish takeaway

The ASX NDQ ETF has shown remarkable growth. If you're looking to add a tech-heavy ETF to your portfolio, this might be a good option. It depends on your view of the sector.

However, keep an eye on market conditions and consider your personal financial circumstances, always seeking professional advice.

Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now?

Before you buy Nvidia shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Nvidia wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 7 February 2025

Motley Fool contributor Zach Bristow 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 Technology Shares

a woman holds a facebook like thumbs up sign high above her head. She has a very happy smile on her face.
Technology Shares

Goldman Sachs says this ASX 200 tech stock is a top buy

Here's what the broker is saying about this quality stock.

Read more »

A young male investor wearing a white business shirt screams in frustration with his hands grasping his hair after ASX 200 shares fell rapidly today and appear to be heading into a stock market crash
Technology Shares

This ASX robotics stock just crashed 49% amid $1.1b blow

What is causing investors to hit the sell button today? Let's find out.

Read more »

A person with a round-mouthed expression clutches a device screen and looks shocked and surprised.
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX tech stock is rocketing 22% today

What is getting investors excited today? Let's see what is happening.

Read more »

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

Leading broker upgrades Pro Medicus shares to buy rating

Analysts at Bell Potter think this tech stock is a top buy right now.

Read more »

A woman holds her hand out under a graphic hologram image of a human brain with brightly lit segments and section points.
AI Stocks

$8,000 invested in Brainchip shares five months ago is now worth…

Brainchip shares have delivered some sizzling gains since September with plenty of volatility!

Read more »

A young man punches the air in delight as he reacts to great news on his mobile phone.
Earnings Results

Pro Medicus share price storms higher on record-breaking results

Investors are cheering on this tech company's latest results.

Read more »

A young boy wearing a hat, sunnies and striped singlet looks fierce and flexes his arm in victory.
Small Cap Shares

The ASX small-cap stock trading at 'half of the earnings multiple of industry leaders'

A leading fund manager sees a lot of untapped value for this soaring ASX small-cap stock.

Read more »

A young male ASX investor raises his clenched fists in excitement because of rising ASX share prices today
Earnings Results

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just jumped 20%

Why are investors buying this tech stock on Wednesday? Let's find out.

Read more »