3 strong ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026

These funds are highly recommended for a reason. Let's dig deeper into them.

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Key points

  • Artificial intelligence and robotics are no longer futuristic concepts but are actively reshaping industries right now, with the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF offering exposure to key players like NVIDIA that are powering this transformation.
  • Asia's expanding middle class and accelerating digital adoption make the region's tech giants increasingly attractive, with the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF providing access to heavyweights like Taiwan Semiconductor, which manufactures the advanced chips underpinning the global digital economy.
  • Emerging markets are being driven by powerful long-term tailwinds including population growth and urbanisation, with the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF spreading investment across over 1,000 stocks in 24 countries to capture this faster-growing opportunity.

As we arrive in 2026, many investors are thinking about where long-term growth could come from over the next decade.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a powerful way to position for those opportunities, offering diversification and exposure to major global themes without the need to pick individual stocks.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026 for investors focused on long-term growth.

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

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF could be worth considering in 2026. It gives investors exposure to companies at the forefront of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. These technologies are no longer speculative concepts; they are already reshaping the world.

The fund holds a diversified portfolio of global leaders, including NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN). While all three benefit from the AI and automation boom, NVIDIA stands out as a key enabler. Its chips power everything from data centres to advanced AI models, making it one of the central beneficiaries of accelerating AI adoption worldwide.

The fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could be a buy this year is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. It provides investors with access to some of the most influential technology companies across Asia.

This includes exposure to businesses driving innovation in e-commerce, semiconductors, gaming, and artificial intelligence across China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Key holdings include Tencent Holdings Ltd (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA). Among these, TSMC plays a particularly critical role. As the world's leading semiconductor foundry, it manufactures advanced chips used by many of the biggest global technology companies, making it a foundational player in the digital economy.

As Asia's middle class continues to expand and digital adoption accelerates across the region, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF appears well-placed for the future. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF (ASX: BEMG)

A final ASX ETF that could be a top pick for 2026 is the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF. It offers broad exposure to large and mid-cap companies across emerging economies. These markets are often driven by powerful tailwinds such as population growth, urbanisation, and rising consumer demand.

The ETF provides exposure to over 1,000 stocks across 24 emerging market countries, with major holdings including SK Hynix Inc, Xiaomi (SEHK: 1810), and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (KRX: 005930).

For investors looking to diversify beyond developed economies and tap into faster-growing regions, the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF could play a valuable role in a long-term portfolio. Betashares recently recommended this one to investors as well.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital - Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Xiaomi. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. 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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