The smartest ASX ETFs to build wealth in the new year

These funds have qualities that could make them attractive to wealth-builders.

| More on:
A happy woman stands outside a building looking at her phone and smiling widely.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Looking for hands-off wealth growth in 2026? Consider ETFs like BetaShares Australian Technology, offering a tech-driven digital transformation right off the ASX.
  • The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF is like having a secure seatbelt for your portfolio, diversifying risk across the booming global cybersecurity arena.
  • Want diversity with no strings attached? The BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF wraps up thousands of stocks into a single, growth-focused bundle with zero bond exposure.

A new year often brings a renewed focus on finances. For many investors, that means asking a simple but important question: how can I grow my wealth with minimal effort?

This is where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) really shine.

Instead of researching and trying to pick individual winners, ETFs allow investors to gain diversified exposure to entire markets or powerful long-term themes in a single trade.

For those looking to build wealth steadily in the year ahead and beyond, here are three ASX ETFs that stand out.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF could be worth considering for 2026 and beyond. Rather than relying on traditional banks or miners, this ETF focuses on ASX stocks driving digital transformation.

Its holdings include tech stocks such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). These companies operate globally and generate a significant portion of their revenue offshore, giving investors exposure to international growth through Australian-listed stocks.

It has been a tough year for the Australian tech sector, which means investors are able to buy this fund at a deep discount to recent highs. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable part of the modern digital economy. Governments, corporations, and consumers all rely on secure networks, and spending in this area continues to rise regardless of economic conditions.

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides exposure to a global portfolio of stocks that are at the forefront of cybersecurity. Its holdings include names like Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and Cloudflare (NYSE: NET).

Rather than betting on a single cybersecurity winner, this ETF spreads risk across the sector. This makes it a practical way to tap into a structural growth trend that is likely to persist for decades.

BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)

For investors who want a true set-and-forget option, the BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF is hard to ignore. This ASX ETF provides exposure to thousands of stocks across Australian and global share markets in one simple investment.

This fund holds a mix of Australian shares, global developed market shares, and emerging markets, with no exposure to defensive assets like bonds. This makes it suitable for investors with a long time horizon who are focused purely on growth.

Its diversified structure helps reduce the risk of relying too heavily on any one region or sector, while still capturing long-term equity market returns. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, Cloudflare, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on ETFs

Excited couple celebrating success while looking at smartphone.
ETFs

The ASX just got a new ETF that pays monthly dividends

This ETF will pay 12 dividends a year.

Read more »

strong woman overlooking city
ETFs

Why I think this Vanguard ETF is a strong buy in 2026

Global diversification matters more than ever if you’re investing for the next decade.

Read more »

ETF spelt out with a piggybank.
ETFs

How are these newly listed ASX ETFs performing?

Do you have any of these funds in your portfolio?

Read more »

ETF written in yellow with a yellow underline and the full word spelt out in white underneath.
ETFs

Why these ASX ETFs could be perfect for buy and hold investors

These funds could compound strongly over the next decade and beyond.

Read more »

A woman stands at her desk looking a her phone with a panoramic view of the harbour bridge in the windows behind her with work colleagues in the background.
ETFs

Investment themes investors should be watching closely – Expert

Themes investors should be paying attention to.

Read more »

An elderly woman confides her psychological distress to her robotic assistant.
ETFs

3 easy ways to invest in AI with ASX ETFs

Here are three easy ways for Aussie investors to gain exposure to the artificial intelligence megatrend.

Read more »

A girl stands at a wooden fence holding a big, inflated balloon looking at dark clouds looming ominously behind her.
ETFs

If US stocks disappoint, this overlooked ASX ETF could matter a lot more

What if US market leadership fades? This overlooked ETF could play a bigger role.

Read more »

A happy young couple lie on a wooden deck using a skateboard for a pillow.
ETFs

Why I would invest $500 in each of these ASX ETFs

I think spreading small amounts across different regions is one of the smartest ways to invest.

Read more »