If there's one megatrend that looks set to dominate the next couple of decades, it is artificial intelligence (AI).
From data centres and semiconductors to cybersecurity and advanced robotics, AI is reshaping the global economy.
The good news is that there are a number of exchange traded funds (ETFs) out there that give investors exposure to these markets.
Let's see why three listed below could be top options for investors looking to make investments that they don't have to touch for the next 10 to 20 years.
Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
Asia is fast becoming the production line for the AI boom. Betashares notes that a huge share of global AI infrastructure depends on Asian technology leaders, especially within the semiconductor supply chain.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM) and South Korean memory giants SK Hynix (KRX: 000660) and Samsung Electronics supply critical components such as accelerator chips and high-bandwidth memory, with TSMC alone recently reporting a 30% surge in quarterly sales driven by AI demand.
The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers simple exposure to these companies. Its portfolio is also packed with industry heavyweights, including Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU), which all have their own exposure to AI.
For long-term investors, this ASX ETFs provides a powerful way to tap into the AI boom.
Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
As AI technology grows more capable, so too do the threats. This means that cybersecurity is now one of the most resilient and fastest-growing industries within the digital economy.
Betashares notes that spending on security software is "least likely to be cut" even in downturns, and global cybersecurity spending is expected to hit US$377 billion by 2028.
The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF gives investors exposure to global leaders such as CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). These are companies developing AI-powered security tools capable of detecting and neutralising threats at machine speed.
Over a 20-year horizon, cybersecurity could be about as close as it gets to a non-negotiable global necessity.
Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF is another ASX ETF to consider for the long term.
It provides exposure to companies leading the AI and robotics shift, including ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), and FANUC Corp (TYO: 6954). These businesses supply the automation tools, industrial robots, sensors, and AI-enhanced systems that will increasingly power factories, warehouses, transport networks, and healthcare facilities.
Betashares recently recommended the fund to investors.
