I think that one of the easiest ways to position a portfolio for long-term growth is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Rather than trying to pick individual winners, ETFs provide direct (and easy) access to powerful themes that are likely to shape the global economy for years to come.
As 2026 gets underway, three growth themes continue to stand out to me: cybersecurity, global technology leadership, and digital entertainment.
For investors seeking exposure to these trends, these three ETFs provide a straightforward way to do so.
BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
It wasn't that long ago that cybersecurity was an afterthought, with internet users relying on their spam folders to ward off viruses and scams. But times have changed, and cybersecurity is now a core requirement for governments, businesses, and individuals.
As more data moves online and digital systems become more interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks continues to rise. That creates a long-term tailwind for companies that specialise in protecting networks, data, and critical infrastructure.
The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of global cybersecurity leaders, including businesses involved in cloud security, identity protection, and threat detection. Rather than betting on a single company, this growth ETF spreads risk across the sector.
For me, the appeal of this ETF lies in the durability of the theme. Cyber threats are not cyclical, and spending in this area tends to remain resilient even when economic conditions soften.
BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers access to some of the most influential growth stocks in the world.
This ETF tracks the NASDAQ-100 Index (NASDAQ: NDX), which is home to countless global leaders. Many of these businesses are at the forefront of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital payments, and platform-based business models. We're talking Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).
What I like about the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is that it combines innovation with scale. These are not early-stage startups. They are established companies with strong balance sheets, global reach, and significant investment in research and development. And if companies lose their way, they will be replaced in the 100 with the next crop of superstar stocks at future rebalances.
Owning a diversified basket of world-class growth companies has historically been a powerful way to participate in long-term technological progress. I expect this to continue being the case in the future.
VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)
Video gaming and esports may still be underestimated by some investors.
Gaming has evolved from a niche hobby into a global entertainment industry with hundreds of millions of players worldwide. It spans console gaming, mobile gaming, online platforms, and competitive esports, all supported by ongoing digital engagement.
The VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF provides exposure to leading global stocks involved in video game development, publishing, hardware, and esports ecosystems. This means growth companies like Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), Nintendo (FRA: NTO), and Take-Two (NASDAQ: TTWO).
As technology advances and digital entertainment becomes increasingly immersive, I believe the long-term growth potential of this sector is substantial.
Why these ETFs work together
What makes these ETFs particularly attractive as a group is how they complement each other.
The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF focuses on security, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF captures broad-based innovation, and the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF targets digital entertainment and engagement. Together, they provide diversified exposure to growth themes that are driven by technology adoption rather than short-term economic cycles.
Foolish Takeaway
Growth investing does not have to be complicated. By owning ETFs that track long-term structural trends, investors can position their portfolios for the future. This is without needing to constantly trade or monitor individual companies.
For those looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the HACK, NDQ, and ESPO ETFs offer three compelling ways to stock up on growth themes that show no signs of slowing down.
