How to Buy the Nasdaq 100 in the UK

Published 1 September 2026

The Nasdaq-100 is where UK investors go for concentrated exposure to the big US technology and growth companies, and it is easy to track through a single ETF.

This guide explains how to buy a Nasdaq 100 ETF in the UK: the concentration to understand first, which fund to pick, which account to use, how to place the order, the costs, and the mistakes to avoid. It is a practical how-to, not a recommendation to invest.

What You’re Buying

The Nasdaq-100 index tracks the 100 largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq exchange.

Because Nasdaq is home to the biggest US tech names, the index is dominated by companies like Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet, and it leans heavily towards technology.

A Nasdaq-100 ETF holds those same companies for you. If trackers are new to you, the guide on index funds and ETFs explained covers the basics.

The Concentration to Understand First

The Nasdaq-100 is far more concentrated than a broad index.

It holds only around 100 companies, excludes financials entirely, and a handful of mega-caps can make up a large share of the whole fund.

That focus has driven strong returns during the technology boom, but it also means the index can fall harder than a diversified fund when those companies struggle, and it has historically been more volatile.

Most investors treat a Nasdaq-100 fund as a satellite holding alongside a broad core, rather than as a whole portfolio. Going in clear-eyed about that is the single most important step here.

Step 1: Choose Your Nasdaq 100 ETF

Two funds dominate for UK investors, tracking the same index at the same 0.30% ongoing charge:

• EQQQ (Invesco) is distributing, so it pays dividends out as cash. Launched in 2002, it is the longer-established of the two. See the EQQQ review.
• CNX1 (iShares) is accumulating, so it reinvests dividends inside the fund. It is the larger fund by assets. See the CNX1 review.

They hold almost identical portfolios and cost the same, so the choice comes down to whether you want dividends paid out (EQQQ) or reinvested (CNX1). Dividends are small on a growth-heavy index, so for most buyers this is a minor decision.

Step 2: Choose Your Account

A Stocks & Shares ISA is the account most UK investors use, sheltering growth and income from UK tax up to your annual ISA allowance.

A general investment account works once your ISA is used up, and a SIPP is an option for retirement money.

Because the Nasdaq-100 is a more volatile, growth-focused holding, sheltering any gains in an ISA is especially worthwhile if it does well.

Step 3: Buy It on a Platform

You buy the fund through an investment platform.

On Trading 212 you can buy a Nasdaq-100 ETF commission-free, and since there is no platform fee and no charge per trade, your costs stay low.

The process is the same anywhere: open and verify the account, deposit, search the ticker (EQQQ or CNX1), check the ISIN matches (IE0032077012 for EQQQ, IE00B53SZB19 for CNX1), enter your amount, and confirm.

For the mechanics, how to buy ETFs on Trading 212 covers everything from opening an account to buying.

Disclosure: some links to Trading 212 on this site are affiliate links, meaning a commission may be earned if an account is opened. This does not affect the price paid. Capital at risk.

The Costs to Know About

The fund’s ongoing charge is 0.30%, higher than a plain S&P 500 or global tracker, reflecting the more specialist index.

Add any platform fee, which varies, and consider currency: the holdings are US dollar companies, so a pound-denominated line avoids a conversion fee at trade but you still carry dollar exposure, and sterling moves affect your returns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Making it your whole portfolio. Its concentration makes it better suited as a satellite than a core. Sizing it sensibly matters.
• Buying at the top on hype. After a strong run it can look unstoppable, then fall hard. Regular contributions smooth out the timing risk of piling in on excitement.
• Underestimating volatility. Expect deeper drawdowns than a broad fund and be honest about whether you can hold through them.
• Overlapping with an S&P 500 fund. The Nasdaq-100’s biggest names are already large in the S&P 500, so holding both doubles down on the same companies.

How to Buy a Nasdaq 100 ETF: FAQ

What Is the Best Nasdaq 100 ETF for UK Investors?

EQQQ (Invesco, distributing) and CNX1 (iShares, accumulating) are the two most widely used. They track the same index at the same 0.30% charge, so the choice is mainly about whether you want dividends paid out or reinvested.

Is the Nasdaq 100 the Same as the S&P 500?

No. The Nasdaq-100 is narrower and far more technology-heavy, with around 100 holdings and no financials, versus 500 broadly spread companies in the S&P 500.

Can I Hold a Nasdaq 100 ETF in an ISA?

Yes. A Stocks & Shares ISA shelters growth and income from UK tax up to your annual allowance.

Is the Nasdaq 100 Too Risky?

It is more concentrated and more volatile than a broad index, so it can be a bumpier ride. Whether that suits you depends on your risk tolerance and how large a position you take.

Should the Nasdaq 100 Be My Only Fund?

Most investors would say no. Its concentration makes it better suited as a growth satellite alongside a diversified core.

What Is the Difference Between EQQQ and CNX1?

Same index, same 0.30% fee. EQQQ pays dividends out as cash; CNX1 reinvests them inside the fund. CNX1 is the larger fund; EQQQ has the longer track record.

This article is for information and education only and is not financial advice. It does not take account of individual circumstances. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and investors may get back less than they invest. Anyone unsure about their own situation should speak to a regulated financial adviser.

Sources: Invesco EQQQ Nasdaq-100 UCITS ETF (EQQQ) · iShares Nasdaq 100 UCITS ETF (CNX1). Figures are taken from the fund providers and can change; always confirm the current details before acting. Last updated August 2026.