Best ASX Technology ETFs Compared: NDQ vs FANG vs ASIA

Technology has dominated equity returns over the past decade, and Australian investors have access to multiple ASX-listed technology ETFs targeting different segments of the tech sector. From the NASDAQ-100 giants to emerging Asian innovators, each ETF offers distinct exposure to the digital economy.

This educational comparison examines five popular technology ETFs available on the ASX to help investors understand the key differences and make informed decisions based on individual research and circumstances.

Comparison infographic of five ASX technology ETFs: NDQ, FANG, ASIA, ATEC, and TECH, showing management fees, holdings, and geographic focus for Australian investors in 2026

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	NDQ	FANG	ASIA	ATEC	TECH
Full Name	BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF	Global X FANG+ ETF	BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF	BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF	Global X Morningstar Global Technology ETF
Provider	BetaShares	Global X	BetaShares	BetaShares	Global X
Management Fee	0.48% p.a.	0.35% p.a.	0.67% p.a.	0.48% p.a.	0.45% p.a.
Geographic Focus	United States	United States	Asia (ex-Japan)	Australia	Global
Number of Holdings	~100 stocks	10 stocks	50 stocks	~20-30 stocks	Diversified portfolio
Benchmark	NASDAQ-100 Index	NYSE FANG+ Index	Solactive Asia Ex-Japan Technology & Internet Tigers	S&P/ASX All Technology Index	Morningstar Global Technology Index
Market Cap Focus	Large-cap	Mega-cap	Large & mid-cap	All caps	Large-cap
Currency Exposure	USD (unhedged)	USD (unhedged)	Various Asian currencies	AUD	Various currencies
Distribution Frequency	Semi-annually	Annually	Semi-annually	Semi-annually	Semi-annually

What Are Technology ETFs?

Technology ETFs provide exposure to companies operating in the technology sector, including software, hardware, semiconductors, internet services, e-commerce, and digital platforms. Rather than selecting individual tech stocks, investors can gain diversified exposure to multiple companies through a single ETF.

The ASX offers technology ETFs with different geographic focuses, concentration levels, and investment approaches, allowing investors to tailor their tech exposure based on specific preferences and portfolio requirements.

NDQ: BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF

Overview

NDQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index, which includes the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. This ETF has become one of the most popular technology-focused investments for Australian investors seeking exposure to US tech giants.

Key Characteristics

Management Fee: 0.48% per annum

Holdings: Approximately 100 companies, heavily weighted towards technology but also includes consumer discretionary, communication services, and healthcare sectors.

Top Holdings (typically include):

• Apple

• Microsoft

• NVIDIA

• Amazon

• Meta (Facebook)

• Alphabet (Google)

• Tesla

• Broadcom

Sector Allocation: While classified as technology-focused, NDQ includes significant exposure to multiple growth sectors beyond pure technology.

Market Capitalisation: Concentrated in mega-cap companies, with the top 10 holdings often representing 40-50% of the portfolio.

Considerations for NDQ

Advantages:

• Exposure to the world's largest technology companies

• Strong historical performance driven by US tech dominance

• Relatively liquid on the ASX with high trading volumes

• Semi-annual distributions

Considerations:

• High concentration in top holdings creates company-specific risk

• No currency hedging exposes investors to AUD/USD movements

• Includes non-tech companies (e.g., Pepsi, Starbucks historically)

• US tax treaty applies to dividends

FANG: Global X FANG+ ETF

Overview

FANG provides concentrated exposure to 10 highly innovative technology and technology-enabled companies. The acronym originally stood for Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google, but the index has evolved to include other mega-cap growth leaders.

Key Characteristics

Management Fee: 0.35% per annum (lowest among the five)

Holdings: Exactly 10 equally-weighted companies, rebalanced quarterly.

Typical Holdings:

• Meta Platforms

• Apple

• Amazon

• Tesla

• Microsoft

• Alphabet (Google Class C and Class A)

• Netflix

• NVIDIA

• Snowflake (varies with index composition)

Equal Weighting: Each company receives approximately 10% allocation at rebalancing, reducing single-stock concentration compared to market-cap-weighted alternatives.

Considerations for FANG

Advantages:

• Lowest management fee in this comparison

• Equal weighting reduces dominance of largest companies

• Highly concentrated exposure to innovation leaders

• Simple, focused portfolio

Considerations:

• Extreme concentration (only 10 holdings) creates significant volatility

• Quarterly rebalancing may generate more taxable capital gains

• Limited sector diversification beyond mega-cap tech

• High correlation between holdings during market downturns

ASIA: BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF

Overview

ASIA provides exposure to 50 of Asia's most innovative technology companies, excluding Japan. This ETF captures the rapid digital transformation occurring across Asian markets, including China, Taiwan, South Korea, and emerging Southeast Asian economies.

Key Characteristics

Management Fee: 0.67% per annum (highest in this comparison)

Holdings: 50 technology and internet companies across multiple Asian countries.

Geographic Allocation (typical):

• China: 40-50%

• Taiwan: 15-20%

• South Korea: 15-20%

• India: 5-10%

• Southeast Asia: 5-10%

Sector Focus:

• E-commerce and internet platforms

• Semiconductors and hardware

• Gaming and entertainment

• Fintech and digital payments

• Software and cloud services

Top Holdings (typically include):

• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)

• Alibaba

• Tencent

• Samsung Electronics

• Meituan

• JD.com

Considerations for ASIA

Advantages:

• Diversification away from US-dominated tech exposure

• Access to high-growth Asian digital economies

• Exposure to semiconductor supply chain leaders

• Captures emerging market technology adoption

Considerations:

• Highest management fee of the five ETFs

• Exposure to Chinese regulatory risk

• Multiple currency exposures create complexity

• Higher volatility compared to developed market tech ETFs

• Different accounting standards and corporate governance

ATEC: BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF

Overview

ATEC tracks the S&P/ASX All Technology Index, providing exposure to Australian technology companies listed on the ASX. This ETF offers investors home-market technology exposure with AUD-denominated returns.

Key Characteristics

Management Fee: 0.48% per annum

Holdings: Approximately 20-30 Australian technology companies across various market capitalisations.

Typical Sectors:

• IT services and software

• Fintech and payments

• Healthcare technology

• E-commerce and online services

• Telecommunications

Top Holdings (typically include):

• WiseTech Global

• Xero

• Computershare

• Nextdc

• Block (Square)

• Seek

Considerations for ATEC

Advantages:

• No currency risk for Australian investors

• Exposure to locally-listed tech companies

• Franking credits may apply to some dividends

• No foreign tax implications

• Smaller capitalisation exposure compared to US mega-caps

Considerations:

• Limited to Australian market (smaller opportunity set)

• Lower liquidity compared to international alternatives

• Concentrated in fewer companies

• Some holdings have dual listings or international operations

• Australian tech sector less mature than US counterpart

TECH: Global X Morningstar Global Technology ETF

Overview

TECH provides broad global technology exposure through a diversified portfolio of companies selected using Morningstar's fundamental analysis approach. This ETF aims to capture technology growth across multiple developed markets.

Key Characteristics

Management Fee: 0.45% per annum

Holdings: Diversified portfolio across developed markets with focus on technology fundamentals.

Geographic Allocation: Primarily US-focused but includes exposure to European and Asian developed markets.

Selection Approach: Companies selected based on Morningstar's quality and valuation metrics rather than pure market capitalisation.

Considerations for TECH

Advantages:

• More diversified than concentrated alternatives

• Fundamental screening may reduce overvaluation risk

• Exposure beyond pure market-cap weighting

• Moderate fee structure

Considerations:

• Less recognisable holdings compared to NDQ or FANG

• Fundamental approach may underperform during momentum-driven markets

• Multiple currency exposures

• Lower brand recognition compared to index-tracking alternatives

Which Technology ETF Is Right for Different Portfolios?

For Investors Seeking Broad US Tech Exposure

NDQ offers the most comprehensive exposure to US technology and growth companies through the NASDAQ-100. The approximately 100 holdings provide more diversification than FANG while maintaining strong exposure to mega-cap tech leaders.

For Investors Wanting Concentrated Innovation Exposure

FANG provides focused exposure to 10 mega-cap innovation leaders with equal weighting. The low 0.35% fee and quarterly rebalancing appeal to investors comfortable with concentrated positions.

For Investors Seeking Geographic Diversification

ASIA enables access to Asian technology companies, reducing reliance on US markets. This suits portfolios already heavily exposed to American tech through other holdings.

For Investors Prioritising Home Market Exposure

ATEC offers Australian technology exposure without currency risk. The AUD-denominated returns and potential franking credits suit investors preferring domestic investments.

For Investors Wanting Quality-Focused Global Tech

TECH provides globally diversified technology exposure with fundamental screening. This appeals to investors concerned about valuation and preferring analytical selection over pure market-cap weighting.

Fee Comparison and Long-Term Cost Impact

Management fees compound over time, significantly impacting long-term returns. Here's how these ETFs compare:

FANG: 0.35% (lowest) - Over 20 years on $100,000: approximately $7,800 in fees TECH: 0.45% - Over 20 years on $100,000: approximately $9,900 in fees NDQ/ATEC: 0.48% - Over 20 years on $100,000: approximately $10,500 in fees ASIA: 0.67% - Over 20 years on $100,000: approximately $14,600 in fees

Fee calculations assume no portfolio growth for comparison purposes. Actual costs vary with performance.

Tax Considerations for Australian Investors

US-Listed Holdings (NDQ, FANG)

Dividends from US companies are subject to 15% US withholding tax under the Australia-US tax treaty. Investors receive a foreign income tax offset when lodging Australian tax returns.

Asian-Listed Holdings (ASIA)

Tax treatment varies by country of domicile. Some Asian jurisdictions impose withholding taxes on dividends, while others don't. The ETF structure may impact effective tax rates.

Australian-Listed Holdings (ATEC)

Australian companies may pay franked dividends, providing tax credits for Australian residents. No foreign tax complications apply.

Capital Gains

All ETFs generate capital gains when underlying holdings are sold. Index changes, rebalancing, and fund cash flows may trigger taxable events distributed to investors.

Currency Considerations

Unhedged Exposure (NDQ, FANG, ASIA, TECH)

These ETFs are unhedged, meaning returns are affected by currency movements between AUD and the underlying currencies (primarily USD for NDQ/FANG).

When AUD weakens: International holdings increase in AUD terms, boosting returns When AUD strengthens: International holdings decrease in AUD terms, reducing returns

AUD Exposure (ATEC)

ATEC is denominated in AUD with no direct currency risk, though some constituent companies have international operations exposed to currency movements.

Combining Technology ETFs in a Portfolio

Many investors hold multiple technology ETFs to achieve desired exposure. Common combinations include:

NDQ + ASIA: US mega-cap tech paired with Asian growth opportunities FANG + ATEC: Concentrated US innovation with Australian home-market exposureNDQ + ATEC: Broad US tech exposure balanced with Australian technology sector TECH + ASIA: Global developed market tech combined with emerging Asian leaders

Portfolio construction should consider overall allocation to technology, geographic diversification, and risk tolerance rather than treating technology ETFs in isolation.

Common Questions About Technology ETFs

Are Technology ETFs More Risky Than Broad Market ETFs?

Technology sectors typically experience higher volatility than diversified market indices. The concentration in growth-oriented companies creates potential for larger price swings in both directions. Historical data shows tech-heavy portfolios outperforming during bull markets but experiencing sharper declines during downturns.

How Much Portfolio Exposure to Technology Is Appropriate?

Portfolio allocation depends on individual circumstances, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Technology already represents significant portions of broad market indices (e.g., VGS is 73.6% US, with substantial tech weighting). Additional technology ETFs increase concentration beyond market weights.

Do Technology ETFs Pay Dividends?

Technology ETFs generally pay lower distributions than dividend-focused alternatives because growth companies reinvest profits rather than paying high dividends. NDQ, FANG, ASIA, ATEC, and TECH all make distributions, but yields are typically low (often under 1-2%).

Should Technology ETFs Be Hedged or Unhedged?

NDQ and FANG are available in both hedged and unhedged versions (HNDQ for hedged NASDAQ-100). Unhedged versions provide currency diversification, while hedged versions eliminate currency risk but add hedging costs. Historical evidence shows mixed results for hedging strategies over long periods.

Can Technology ETFs Replace Broad Market Exposure?

Technology ETFs are sector-specific investments, not complete portfolio solutions. They lack exposure to defensive sectors (utilities, healthcare, consumer staples), value stocks, and cyclical industries. Most financial educators recommend using technology ETFs as satellite holdings within diversified portfolios.

Key Differences Summary

Concentration:

• Most concentrated: FANG (10 holdings)

• Most diversified: NDQ (~100 holdings)

Fees:

• Lowest: FANG (0.35%)

• Highest: ASIA (0.67%)

Geographic Focus:

• US-only: NDQ, FANG

• Asia-only: ASIA

• Australia-only: ATEC

• Global: TECH

Currency Exposure:

• USD: NDQ, FANG

• Multiple Asian currencies: ASIA

• AUD: ATEC

• Multiple global currencies: TECH

Market Cap Focus:

• Mega-cap: FANG

• Large-cap: NDQ, TECH

• Mixed caps: ASIA, ATEC

Research Resources

Before investing in technology ETFs, investors should:

1. Read the PDS: Product Disclosure Statements contain comprehensive fund details, risks, and fees

2. Review Holdings: Fund fact sheets show current holdings, sector allocations, and geographic breakdowns

3. Understand Benchmarks: Each ETF tracks different indices with varying methodologies

4. Consider Total Portfolio: Technology allocation should complement existing holdings

5. Monitor Rebalancing: Some ETFs rebalance more frequently, potentially generating taxable events