3 exciting ASX ETFs to buy with $3,000 in 2026

Let's see why these funds could be great picks for investors in 2026.

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Key points

  • The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF captures the growth of the crypto ecosystem by investing in companies like Coinbase and Paypal, focusing on the infrastructure supporting digital assets rather than betting on specific cryptocurrencies.
  • Investing in the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF taps into the transformative impact of automation and AI, with key players like Nvidia and Intuitive Surgical leading the charge in practical applications across industries.
  • For a foothold in digital transformation, the BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF provides exposure to firms such as ServiceNow and Shopify, pivotal in the shift to cloud-based operations and innovation.

If you have $3,000 to invest and want exposure to some of the most powerful growth themes, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a smart place to start.

They allow you to back long-term trends without having to guess which individual company will win.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that offer very different, but equally exciting, growth angles.

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF is not about speculating on individual cryptocurrencies. Instead, it provides exposure to the companies that are building the infrastructure and services around the crypto ecosystem.

Its holdings include businesses such as Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: MARA), and Paypal (NASDAQ: PYPL). These companies benefit from increased adoption of digital assets, blockchain-based payments, and decentralised finance, regardless of which specific token ends up dominating.

What makes the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF interesting is that it captures the commercialisation of crypto, rather than pure price movements. As regulation matures and institutional participation grows, the businesses enabling crypto trading, custody, and infrastructure could become far more mainstream over time.

BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

The BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF targets two of the most transformative forces of the next few decades: automation and AI.

The fund holds a global mix of companies involved in robotics, machine learning, and industrial automation. This includes Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN). They are at the forefront of applying AI to healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.

Rather than focusing on consumer-facing AI hype, this ASX ETF leans into the practical deployment of intelligent systems in the real economy. As labour shortages persist and productivity becomes more valuable, demand for automation and robotics is likely to keep rising steadily. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

Finally, the BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF could be worth considering for the $3,000 investment. It offers exposure to the digital backbone of modern business. Cloud platforms underpin everything from remote work and e-commerce to artificial intelligence and data analytics.

Its portfolio includes companies such as ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), and Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), all of which enable businesses to operate, scale, and innovate online.

As organisations continue migrating systems away from on-premise servers, cloud adoption remains a multi-year trend rather than a short-term cycle. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro 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 Abb, Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, PayPal, ServiceNow, Shopify, and Snowflake. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global and has recommended the following options: long January 2027 $42.50 calls on PayPal and short December 2025 $75 calls on PayPal. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia, PayPal, ServiceNow, and Shopify. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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