The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ) and the Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) are two very popular but very different ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Both can be useful long-term investments, but they give investors exposure to very different parts of the share market.

One is focused on the Nasdaq 100 and many of the world’s most important technology and growth companies. The other gives broad exposure to the Australian share market, including banks, miners, healthcare companies, retailers, and industrial shares.

So, which one makes more sense for investors today?

What does the NDQ ETF offer?

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF gives investors exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq.

This means the fund is heavily exposed to global technology and innovation.

Its holdings typically include businesses involved in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, software, digital advertising, ecommerce, streaming, and consumer technology, such as NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL).

This gives the NDQ ETF a strong long-term tailwind.

The trade-off is volatility. Growth and technology shares can fall sharply when interest rates rise, valuations are questioned, or investors become more cautious. But for investors with a decade-long time horizon, that volatility may be worth accepting.

What does the VAS ETF offer?

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF is very different.

This ASX ETF gives investors exposure to the Australian share market through a broad basket of local shares.

That includes all the major banks, large miners, healthcare companies, supermarkets, infrastructure businesses, insurers, property groups, and other leading ASX companies, such as BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), and Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW).

The Australian market has historically been attractive for income investors because many large companies pay dividends and, in some cases, offer franking credits.

This is where it has an advantage over the NDQ ETF. Investors seeking growth with some income on the side may find the VAS ETF appealing.

Verdict

Both ASX ETFs look like buys for long-term investors.

The VAS ETF could be the better choice for investors who want Australian exposure, more dividend income, and a simpler way to own a broad slice of the local share market.

However, the NDQ ETF is my pick for investors chasing stronger capital growth over the next decade.

Its focus on global technology leaders gives it exposure to some of the most powerful trends in the world economy. While investors should expect ups and downs along the way, it could be the better option for those willing to accept more volatility in pursuit of higher long-term returns.

The post Should I buy the NDQ ETF or the VAS ETF? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF and Woolworths Group. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Apple, BHP Group, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Some S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares have delivered truly extraordinary returns over the past 12 months. Among the standout performers are Sunrise Energy Metals Ltd (ASX: SRL) and 4DMedical Ltd (ASX: 4DX).

At the time of writing, Sunrise Energy shares have surged an astonishing 2,316% to $17.64, while 4DMedical shares have rocketed 1,715% to $4.72.

To put that into perspective, a $10,000 investment in Sunrise Energy a year ago would now be worth approximately $231,600. The same investment in 4DMedical would have grown to roughly $171,500.

After such incredible gains, investors may be asking a simple question: can these rocketing ASX 200 shares keep climbing?

Sunrise Energy: rich scandium resources

Sunrise Energy has emerged as one of the market’s hottest mining stories thanks to its exposure to scandium, one of the world’s rarest and potentially most valuable strategic metals.

Scandium is prized for its ability to enhance aluminium alloys, making them stronger, lighter, and more resistant to heat and corrosion. These characteristics make the metal highly attractive for aerospace, defence, fuel cells, and advanced semiconductor applications.

Australia hosts some of the world’s richest scandium resources, and New South Wales is widely regarded as the only region where scandium could potentially be mined as a primary commodity at scale. That gives the ASX 200 share a unique position in an emerging market with very few credible suppliers.

Investor interest accelerated earlier this year after Beijing imposed export controls on scandium and several other rare earth elements. The move heightened concerns about supply security and increased attention on alternative Western sources.

The challenge for investors is that analyst coverage on the ASX 200 share remains extremely limited. According to TradingView data, only one broker currently covers Sunrise Energy.

The good news is that the broker maintains a strong buy recommendation and a $20.00 price target. Based on the current share price, that implies upside of around 13%.

4DMedical: intersection of healthcare and AI

4DMedical develops advanced respiratory imaging technology that helps clinicians assess lung function in ways traditional imaging methods cannot. Using proprietary software and artificial intelligence, the company generates detailed functional images of the lungs, positioning itself at the intersection of healthcare technology and AI.

Investors have been encouraged by several growth initiatives.

A major recent development was the acquisition of Austrian AI imaging company Contextflow. The deal provides an immediate foothold in Europe, adds lung cancer screening capabilities, and expands the company’s addressable market by an estimated 50%.

Meanwhile, management of the ASX 200 share recently launched its CLEAR clinical program targeting acute pulmonary embolism. The company believes this could help unlock a US market opportunity worth around US$3 billion.

Of course, risks remain. The company is still in growth mode, adoption rates remain critical, and analyst coverage is sparse.

TradingView data shows analysts are divided on the ASX 200 share. Of the three analysts covering the stock, one rates it a buy, one a hold, and one a sell.

The consensus price target sits at $4.97, implying upside of around 5%. The most bullish broker, Bell Potter, sees 27% upside, while Ord Minnett has a $3.00 target, suggesting a downside of roughly 36%.

The post Up 1,700% and more, what’s next for these ASX 200 shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Marc Van Dinther has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) shares fell heavily yesterday, plummeting 18% to levels last seen back in 2021.

Media reports state that the Australian Federal Police are investigating founder Richard White over alleged trafficking matters, relating to a former cleaner at WiseTech.

It has been claimed that White exploited the woman’s immigration status and financial position and provided false information on a visa application.

WiseTech has not responded to the reports.

Why this is hitting WiseTech shares so hard

White’s continued prominence at the company makes today’s news particularly significant for shareholders.

WiseTech shares are now down more than 56% since the start of 2026 and around 70% lower than this time last year.

White co-founded WiseTech and served as chief executive until October 2024, before stepping down amid separate allegations relating to inappropriate behaviours.

He was later appointed Executive Chair and Chief Innovation Officer in February 2025 under a ten-year employment agreement. In this role, he retained significant influence over the company’s product development and strategic direction.

A pattern of governance concerns

Today’s allegations land on top of an already difficult governance backdrop.

In October 2025, the ABC reported that ASIC and the AFP had searched a WiseTech office as part of a separate investigation into alleged trading in WiseTech shares by White and three employees.

Macquarie noted that this investigation could take up to 18 months to resolve.

That earlier search triggered board turnover, including the resignation of four independent non-executive directors, and sustained media scrutiny that has weighed on investor confidence ever since.

The company is also midway through a major restructuring tied to AI-driven automation across the business.

Each of these issues alone could be manageable. Together, and now compounded by today’s allegations, they have eroded the institutional confidence that previously supported WiseTech’s premium valuation.

What the underlying business looks like

CargoWise generated US$682.2 million in revenue for WiseTech in FY2025. This is up 18% on the prior year, with growth continuing into FY2026 as first-half CargoWise revenue rose 12% to US$372.4 million.

CargoWise remains deeply embedded in the operations of major global freight forwarders. Switching away from the platform is expensive and disruptive for customers, providing a source of revenue stability even amid the governance turmoil.

The operational business and the governance crisis are, for now, two separate stories.

What happens next

The resolution of today’s news will depend heavily on the outcome of any AFP investigation and on how WiseTech’s board responds.

Bell Potter previously argued the worst was behind WiseTech following earlier governance issues. The broker noted that focus was returning to product momentum and a new commercial model, before today’s fresh allegations reset that narrative entirely.

Until clarity emerges on both the legal matter and the board’s response, WiseTech shares are likely to remain volatile, and investors should treat any near-term share price movements with appropriate caution given the seriousness and unresolved nature of the allegations.

Foolish takeaway

Today’s news is serious. WiseTech’s underlying logistics software business continues to perform, but the company’s governance challenges have now reached a new and more serious level.

Investors considering WiseTech shares may want to wait for greater clarity on both the AFP investigation and the board’s response before drawing firm conclusions about the path ahead.

The post WiseTech shares just crashed. Can investors look past the company’s governance issues? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Mark Verhoeven has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.