Technology-focused ETFs give Australian investors thematic exposure to global technology trends — from US mega-cap tech (NDQ) to robotics (RBTZ) and cybersecurity (HACK). This article explains the main tech ETFs on the ASX, how they differ, and what to consider before adding thematic technology exposure to your portfolio.
Technology ETFs Available on the ASX
| ETF | Provider | Focus | Holdings | MER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDQ | BetaShares | NASDAQ-100 (US tech + growth) | ~100 | 0.48% |
| RBTZ | BetaShares | Robotics & AI | ~68 | 0.57% |
| HACK | BetaShares | Cybersecurity | ~50 | 0.67% |
| ATEC | BetaShares | Nasdaq Next Gen 100 | ~100 | 0.45% |
| SEMI | BetaShares | Semiconductor companies | ~30 | 0.57% |
| GGUS | BetaShares | US tech (equal weight) | ~75 | 0.56% |
NDQ — The Broadest Tech ETF
NDQ tracks the NASDAQ-100 — 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on NASDAQ, the majority of which are technology or technology-adjacent. With $5B+ AUM and an MER of 0.48%, it is Australia’s largest and most liquid tech ETF.
NDQ includes Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta — the world’s largest technology companies. See the dedicated NDQ ETF review for full detail.
RBTZ — Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF
RBTZ (BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF) tracks an index of companies involved in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| MER | 0.57% |
| Holdings | ~68 companies |
| Key holdings | Intuitive Surgical, Keyence, Fanuc, ABB, Siemens, Zebra Technologies |
| Focus | Industrial robots, AI software, autonomous systems |
RBTZ is more concentrated than NDQ — focused specifically on companies deriving significant revenue from robotics and AI. It includes Japanese industrial robotics firms not in NDQ, giving more international diversity than a pure NASDAQ play.
HACK — Global Cybersecurity ETF
HACK tracks the Nasdaq CTA Cybersecurity Index — companies that provide cybersecurity hardware, software, and services.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| MER | 0.67% |
| Holdings | ~50 companies |
| Key holdings | Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, Fortinet, Zscaler, Okta |
| Focus | Network security, endpoint security, identity management |
Cybersecurity spending is growing rapidly as businesses face increasing cyber threats. HACK gives concentrated exposure to this sector.
SEMI — Global Semiconductor ETF
SEMI tracks semiconductor companies — the companies that design and manufacture the chips that power AI, cloud computing, smartphones, and data centres.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| MER | 0.57% |
| Key holdings | NVIDIA, TSMC, ASML, Broadcom, AMD, Qualcomm |
| Focus | Chip designers and foundries |
Semiconductors are considered a foundational technology — demand is driven by AI data centres, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics.
Thematic Risk — What to Understand
All of the above ETFs are thematic — concentrated in specific technology sectors. This creates:
- Higher concentration risk — fewer companies, one sector; poor performance in one sector hurts the whole ETF
- Valuation sensitivity — technology sectors often trade at high valuation multiples; rising interest rates compress technology valuations
- No diversification across sectors — if technology underperforms, there is no cushion from financials, healthcare, or consumer staples
Technology ETFs have significantly outperformed broad market ETFs over the past decade — and significantly underperformed during the 2022 tech correction. Future performance is not guaranteed.
Thematic ETFs vs Broad Market ETFs
Many financial educators suggest treating thematic ETFs as satellite holdings (5–15% of portfolio at most), with a broad diversified ETF (DHHF, VGS) as the core. Others argue broad market ETFs already include substantial technology exposure:
- VGS: ~22–25% technology
- NDQ: ~55% technology
The question is whether you want to overweight technology beyond what the market dictates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is NDQ or VGS better for tech exposure? NDQ has approximately 55% technology weighting (plus communication services and consumer discretionary). VGS has approximately 22–25% technology. NDQ gives a much higher tech concentration but is US-only (~100 companies); VGS is globally diversified (1,500+ companies, 22 countries). For investors who specifically want maximum tech exposure, NDQ delivers that — with correspondingly higher concentration risk.
Are robotics and AI ETFs like RBTZ a good investment? RBTZ provides targeted exposure to companies in the robotics and AI industry. The long-term structural trend toward automation is widely acknowledged. However, thematic ETFs carry higher valuation risk (the “good story” is often already priced in) and higher concentration risk than broad market ETFs. Past performance of thematic ETFs is notable for being very lumpy — strong in bull markets for the theme, sharp falls when the theme goes out of favour.
How do I buy a tech ETF in Australia? Tech ETFs like NDQ, RBTZ, and HACK are listed on the ASX and purchased through any Australian brokerage — CommSec, SelfWealth, Superhero, Pearler, or Stake. You purchase units just as you would any ASX-listed share. Standard brokerage fees apply.
This article provides general financial information only. Thematic ETFs carry higher concentration risk than broad market ETFs. ETF mentions are for educational context. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can find one through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.