How can I buy BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF

Introduction

US tech stocks and shares represent some of the most influential and financially robust companies in the world. Their products and services have become integral to our daily lives, driving growth and setting trends across the global economy. Investors are attracted to these stocks for their potential for significant returns, driven by innovation, market leadership, and their role in emerging technologies.

For individual investors, the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX:NDQ) offers a convenient and effective way to invest in a diversified portfolio of the top 100 non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock market, many of which are iconic technology firms. By investing in this ETF, you're not just buying into a single company but spreading your investment across a wide array of tech giants and industry pioneers.

Getting Started with BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF

Before you start, it's essential to grasp two key concepts: What an ETF is? And what does the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF represent? All of this is important information in understanding this type of ETF, and the potential it holds for your ETF investment strategies.

What is an ETF?

An Exchange-Traded Fund is like a shopping basket filled with various stocks or assets. Instead of buying each item separately, you purchase the basket itself. This means with a single transaction, you diversify your investment across all the assets in that basket. ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, just like individual stocks, making them an easier way to buy and sell in bulk.

The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF

This ETF tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index, providing investors with exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The fund is managed by BetaShares, an Australian-based ETF provider known for its wide range of investment solutions.

Choosing the Right Platform and Broker

The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF is available on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), which means that it can be bought and sold through various platforms that provide access to the ASX. These platforms are typically offered by brokerage firms, and they can range from traditional full-service brokers to modern online and app-based trading platforms.

What's the potentially optimal place to buy the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF?

Online Brokers: Online brokers offer an easy and cost-effective way to trade ETFs. They provide user-friendly web interfaces and mobile apps, allowing investors to place trades, monitor their portfolios, and conduct research on the go.

International Brokers: Some international brokers offer access to multiple global exchanges, including the ASX. This can be an attractive option for non-Australian residents or those who wish to invest internationally.

Discount Brokers:Discount brokers provide a no-frills trading experience at a lower cost. They may offer fewer research tools and personal advice but are a good choice for cost-conscious investors who prefer a "do-it-yourself" approach.

When choosing a platform to trade the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF, consider factors such as trading fees, the availability of research and educational resources, the ease of fund transfers, customer service, and the overall reliability and reputation of the brokerage firm itself. It is also recommended that you ensure the platform is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and that it provides adequate investor protection and security measures.

Investment Preparation

As the NASDAQ-100 is heavily weighted towards technology and tech-related companies, the major holdings of the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF are typically large-cap tech giants. The following companies are usually among the top holdings in the NASDAQ-100 and, by extension, the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF as of the end of 29 February 2024:

Microsoft (Ticker: MSFT) 8.8%

A dominant force in software, cloud computing, and personal computing devices.

Apple Inc.(Ticker: AAPL) 8.1%

A global leader in consumer technology, known for its iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.

NVIDIA Corp (Ticker: NVDA) 5.6%

A leading manufacturer of graphics processing units (GPUs) and a growing presence in artificial intelligence.

Amazon.com Inc. (Ticker: AMZN) 5.2%

The world's largest online retailer and a key player in cloud services through its AWS (Amazon Web Services) division.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Ticker: META) 5.0%

A leader in social media with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

Broadcom Inc. (Ticker: AVGO)4.5%

A prominent force in the semiconductor and infrastructure software sectors.

Tesla, Inc. (Ticker: TSLA) 2.8%

An innovative electric vehicle and clean energy company.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (Ticker: COST)2.4%

A membership-based warehouse retailer.

Alphabet Inc. (Ticker: GOOGL) 2.3%

The parent company of Google, which is a powerhouse in online search, advertising, and various high-tech initiatives.

Advanced Micro Devices (Ticker: AMD)2.3%

A leader in the development of computer processors and related technologies.

The BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF has a significant focus on the following sectors:

Information Technology (50.7%): This is the most heavily weighted sector and includes software, hardware, and semiconductor companies.

Communication Services (15.6%): Companies in this sector include those involved in telecommunications, media, entertainment, and internet services.

Consumer Discretionary (13.6%): This includes businesses that sell non-essential goods and services, such as online retail, automotive, and leisure products.

Managing Investments

When it comes to investing, there are numerous strategies individuals can employ depending on their financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. Two common investment approaches are lump-sum investing and dollar-cost averaging. Understanding the strategies can help investors make more informed investment decisions when buying BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF.

Lump-Sum Investing

Lump-sum investing involves investing a significant sum of money all at once. This strategy is often used when an investor has a large amount of capital available, such as from an inheritance, sale of a business, or accumulated savings.

Dollar-cost averaging (DCA)

Dollar-cost averaging is the process of dividing the investment amount into smaller portions and periodically investing those portions over time. For example, instead of investing $12,000 at once, an investor might invest $1,000 per month over 12 months.

The choice between lump-sum investing vs dollar-cost averaging often depends on the investor's financial situation, market conditions, and psychological comfort. If an investor believes the market will rise and has a high-risk tolerance, they might prefer lump-sum investing.

Conversely, if an investor is more risk-averse, uncertain about market direction, or simply prefers to spread out their investments, dollar-cost averaging could be the more appealing choice.

In a diversified portfolio, the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF could be used as one component among others, such as fixed-income securities (bonds), ETFs or funds that target other regions (Europe, Asia, or emerging markets), other sectors (commodities and real estate), or investment styles (value and dividends). It's important to balance the ETF's growth potential with investments that have different risk-return characteristics to achieve a well-rounded portfolio.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Investment

Monitoring the price movements of the NASDAQ 100 ETF is an essential part of managing an investment portfolio. There are various tools and tips that can help investors keep track of these types of ETF holdings effectively, such as:

Online Brokerage Platforms

Most investors buy and sell ETFs using an online brokerage account, which typically provides real-time price quotes, historical price data, and interactive charts for all listed securities, including ETFs.

Financial News Websites and Apps

Websites like Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, MarketWatch, and CNBC offer real-time data, news, and analysis for ETFs. Many of these sites have mobile apps that allow you to monitor prices on the go.

ETF Issuer Websites

The website of the ETF issuer (e.g., BetaShares, Vanguard, iShares) often provides detailed information on each of their ETF products, including current prices, historical performance, distributions, and other relevant data.

Tips for Monitoring BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF Price Movements

Set Clear Objectives

Know why you're monitoring the prices. Are you looking for buying/selling opportunities, keeping an eye on volatility, or simply tracking performance?

Stay Informed

Keep up with market news and events that could affect ETF prices. This includes economic indicators, earnings reports, and geopolitical events.

By using these tools and adhering to disciplined monitoring techniques, investors can stay well-informed about their ETF investments and make more educated decisions based on price movements and overall portfolio goals.

Conclusion

Investing in the BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF is a great way to start your investment journey, providing simplicity, diversification, and exposure to some of the most significant companies in the tech industry. Remember, take your time to understand each step in the process, and don't hesitate to ask for help from financial advisors or your brokerage's customer service. As with any investment, ensure it fits within your broader financial strategy and risk tolerance.

Are you ready to take the next step in your investment journey? Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting out, moomoo will committed to empowering you with the knowledge, tools, and support you need to achieve your investment objectives. Join our community, visit our website, reach out to our customer service team, or open an account today and start crafting your financial future with confidence.