Is GNDQ a good ETF?
GNDQ is the BetaShares Wealth Builder Nasdaq 100 Geared (30-40% LVR) Complex ETF from BetaShares. It tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index. We classify it under US, Tech, Growth, and Geared. With about $78 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying). Listed on the ASX since 2024-10-11 (almost 2 years ago).
On a total-return basis, GNDQ has delivered 15.65% a year over 1 year (ranked 75th of 308 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 1 year, where it sits in the top 24% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.84% is high, which is common for active, geared or thematic strategies and only worth paying if the approach justifies it. For comparison, similar ETFs average around 0.51%. If cost is your priority, GHHF (0.35%), NDQ (0.48%), and HNDQ (0.51%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a moderate 1.6% yield.
Portfolio turnover is low at about 15% a year — it trades only a small slice of its holdings each year, so trading costs and tax on realised gains stay modest — typical of a passive index strategy.
Strengths
- Top-24% returns over 1 year (75th of 308 ETFs we track).
Things to watch
- A 0.84% management fee is high and compounds against you over time.
- Pricier than similar ETFs, which average around 0.51%.
- Cheaper alternatives exist: GHHF, NDQ, and HNDQ.
Good to know
- Built on borrowed money (geared), which magnifies both gains and losses — a tactical tool, not a buy-and-hold core.
What GNDQ's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
US-listed companies — the world's deepest, most innovation-heavy market and home to the mega-cap tech names. Has led global returns for over a decade.
- Market regime
- Strong leadership has left valuations high and the index heavily concentrated in a handful of tech giants. Unhedged funds also rise and fall with the AUD/USD exchange rate.
- In a portfolio
- A legitimate core holding for global exposure, but be aware you are buying after a long run of outperformance and at elevated valuations.
Concentrated in technology and high-growth innovation. The highest long-run growth potential on offer, paired with the deepest drawdowns.
- Market regime
- Very sensitive to interest rates and sentiment: powers ahead when money is cheap and optimism is high, and falls hardest when rates rise or risk appetite sours. Low dividends, high volatility.
- In a portfolio
- A long-horizon, high-conviction holding for investors with a strong stomach. Size the position so a 40-50% drawdown wouldn't derail your plan.
Companies expected to grow earnings quickly, which typically reinvest profits rather than pay dividends. Low yield, higher volatility, valuation-driven.
- Market regime
- Shines when interest rates are low or falling and risk appetite is high. Hit hardest when rates rise, because more of their value sits in distant future earnings.
- In a portfolio
- Long-horizon growth engine for investors who can stomach deeper drawdowns and little income along the way.
Uses borrowing (leverage) to amplify the return of the underlying assets — magnifying both gains and losses. Internally geared funds remove the margin-call risk but not the volatility.
- Market regime
- Amplifies whatever the market does. In choppy, sideways markets 'volatility decay' steadily erodes returns even if the index ends up flat.
- In a portfolio
- A tactical, short-to-medium-term tool for experienced investors — explicitly not a buy-and-forget holding. Fees are high and the ride is extreme.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.