Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs

With global markets retreating in 2026, now could be an opportunity for savvy investors to buy the dip. 

Some of the most popular ASX ETFs have dropped significantly since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East.

This kind of sell-off can set off alarm bells for holders of these funds. 

However, it’s always worth remembering that over the long-term, these funds have come out ahead. 

This has been consistent for heavy sell-offs like in March 2020 and April 2025. 

In fact, a report from Betashares points out that markets take on average 109 days to recover from geopolitical shocks. 

Of course, perfectly timing the bottom of any cycle is near impossible. 

However this data from Betashares reinforces that for investors with a long-term focus, the current fall could be just a blip on the radar.

Here are three that could be worth considering after falling to start 2026. 

BetaShares Australia 200 ETF (ASX: A200)

As the name suggests, this ASX ETF tracks the performance of the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO). 

This index comprises 200 of the largest companies by market capitalisation listed on the ASX.

It includes strong weightings towards blue-chip companies like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

This ASX ETF is one of the most popular amongst investors for its simple and low-cost tracking of the Australian market. 

The fund is down roughly 7% in the last month. 

However, it has delivered an average annualised return of almost 9% in the last 5 years. 

BetaShares NASDAQ 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

This ASX ETF aims to track the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX)

This index comprises 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq market, and includes many companies that are at the forefront of the new economy.

It includes companies like Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). 

It can attract investors looking for established companies with growth potential. 

Since the start of 2026, it has fallen more than 9%. 

However, in the last 5 years it has averaged an impressive 15% return per annum. 

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

This ETF is the most popular internationally focussed fund listed on the ASX. 

Compared to the other two funds mentioned above, this fund is much more diversified, including almost 1,300 underlying holdings. 

Geographically, this is weighted towards the United States (71%).

It has fallen roughly 7% so far in 2026. 

This dip may attract investors with a long-term outlook, as the fund has delivered annualised returns of nearly 15% per year over the last 5 years. 

The post Why now could be the time to buy these popular ASX ETFs appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• How did these ASX blue-chip shares perform in March?
• What are the ASX’s top 3 index funds for passive investing?
• 5 ASX ETFs to buy in April and hold until 2036

Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has positions in BHP Group, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, and Nvidia and is short shares of Apple and BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Nvidia, and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.