Should I buy the NDQ ETF after Wall Street's crash?

Fear is taking over the share market but is this the best time to buy?

| More on:
Man with a hand on his head looks at a red stock market chart showing a falling share price.

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

It has been a rough ride for global markets — and Wall Street just hit another speed bump.

Overnight, US stocks tumbled as much as 6% as investors reacted to trade tariffs from US President Donald Trump, sparking fears of a full-blown economic showdown. The tech-heavy Nasdaq bore the brunt of the damage, sending shivers through markets and dragging down anything and everything.

But while panic is in the air, seasoned investors know this could be the kind of moment that sets up life-changing gains over the long term.

So, is it time to buy the BetaShares Nadaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)? Let's take a look.

Is it time to buy the NDQ ETF?

It is always uncomfortable when markets fall hard — especially when the headlines are full of uncertainty. But history is clear: big pullbacks are often followed by big rebounds, especially for quality assets that were sold off with the rest of the pack.

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives Aussie investors exposure to 100 of the most influential, innovative, and disruptive companies in the world, many of which are leaders in fields that will define the future — not just the next news cycle.

Why NDQ could bounce back stronger

You only need to look at the NDQ ETF's holdings to see why this ASX ETF could thrive once the dust settles.

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is a key holding. Despite the current market turmoil, the long-term trend toward artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and high-performance computing hasn't gone anywhere. Nvidia is the undisputed leader in AI chips and data centre acceleration, and it is riding one of the most powerful tech waves of the decade.

Another holding is Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). It continues to dominate in enterprise software, cloud computing (via Azure), and now AI integration across its Office and Azure platforms. It's a cash-generating machine with a fortress balance sheet.

Then there is Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN). It is more than just an online retailer, its AWS business is a critical part of the global digital economy.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) round out the fund's exposure to digital advertising, cloud services, and next-gen tech like virtual reality and autonomous systems. And let's not forget Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), which is another major holding.

These are not speculative businesses — they are cash-rich, global powerhouses with decades of growth still ahead.

Buy when it feels hardest

Right now, fear is driving the market. But the investors who can look through the panic and stay focused on the next five to ten years, not the next five to ten days, could be well-rewarded.

It is important to remember that buying the NDQ ETF at a discount doesn't mean it won't fall further in the short term. But if you believe in the future of technology, digital infrastructure, and the global shift to innovation, these pullbacks are where fortunes are quietly made.

Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Different Australian notes.
ETFs

Own the Vanguard US Total Market Shares Index ETF? Here's your next dividend

Vanguard announced the final distribution amount for VTS ETF investors today.

Read more »

ETF written on cubes sitting on piles of coins.
ETFs

Own SPDR ASX ETFs? Here is your next dividend and when you'll receive it

State Street Global Advisors announced distribution payment amounts and dates today.

Read more »

Happy young couple saving money in piggy bank.
ETFs

Top ASX ETFs for passive income in FY26

Here are a few options for income investors to consider.

Read more »

ASX shares index rebalance Graphic of suited man balancing scales with a dollar symbol and a world globe
ETFs

Which ethical ASX ETFs have performed the best in 2025?

Here’s how some of the most popular ethical funds have performed this year. 

Read more »

An oil refinery worker stands in front of an oil rig with his arms crossed and a smile on his face as the Woodside share price climbs today
ETFs

This ASX ETF has a 4% dividend yield. Should you buy for income?

There aren't too many ETFs offering more than 4% right now...

Read more »

A man with a wide, eager smile on his face holds up three fingers.
ETFs

3 reasons why I'd buy the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (NDQ)

This tech-heavy fund offers a lot of potential.

Read more »

Man looking at an ETF diagram.
ETFs

Top ASX ETFs to buy in FY 2026

These funds could be worth considering in the new financial year. But why?

Read more »

Army man and woman on digital devices.
ETFs

Here are the top stocks in the DFND ETF

The VanEck Global Defence ETF is invested in 29 companies producing military hardware, software, and services.

Read more »