Why these ASX ETFs could be strong buys in 2026

These funds offer investors access to exciting themes.

| More on:

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

Are you looking to add some exchange traded funds (ETFs) to your investment portfolio in 2026?

If you are, it could be worth checking out the three listed below that have recently been recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Here's what you need to know about these funds:

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop with a financial graph superimposed across the image.

Image source: Getty Images

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors access to some of the most influential technology companies across Asia. This region is home to global leaders in semiconductors, ecommerce, gaming, and artificial intelligence, many of which are still growing faster than their Western counterparts.

Its holdings include stocks such as Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA). These businesses sit at the heart of Asia's digital economy and benefit from powerful tailwinds. This includes rising middle-class consumption, rapid digital adoption, and ongoing innovation in AI and cloud computing.

Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)

Another ASX ETF that could be a strong buy in 2026 is the Betashares Global Defence ETF. This popular fund offers investors exposure to a sector that has taken on increased strategic importance in recent years.

Heightened geopolitical tensions and rising defence budgets across the US, Europe, and Asia have created a strong long-term demand backdrop for defence contractors and military technology providers.

This ASX ETF invests in a portfolio of global defence leaders involved in aerospace, cybersecurity, advanced weapons systems, and defence services. This includes Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE: LMT), Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: PLTR), and DroneShield Ltd (ASX: DRO).

As nations continue to modernise their military capabilities, the Betashares Global Defence ETF could provide investors with a rare combination of structural growth and defensive characteristics in 2026.

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

Finally, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF could be an ASX ETF to buy in 2026.

This fund is focused on one of the most transformative trends of our time. Automation and AI are being adopted across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and services as businesses look to improve efficiency and manage labour shortages.

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF holds stocks such as Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), ABB (SWX: ABBN), Daifuku, and Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ: ISRG). These are all playing critical roles in the development and deployment of robotics and AI technologies. And as these innovations are still in relatively early stages, it suggests that there is still a long runway for growth.

While the sector can be volatile, the long-term case for automation and AI remains compelling.

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, Baidu, DroneShield, Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group and Lockheed Martin. 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.

More on ETFs

A man points at a paper as he holds an alarm clock, indicating the ex-dividend date is approaching.
ETFs

5 excellent ASX ETFs to buy and hold for 25 years

If you want to build wealth over the next couple of decades, these funds could be worth a look.

Read more »

ETF written on wooden blocks with a magnifying glass.
ETFs

3 of the best performing Vanguard ASX ETFs over the last year

Some of Vanguard's most popular funds are performing well.

Read more »

a man wearing casual clothes fans a selection of Australian banknotes over his chin with an excited, widemouthed expression on his face.
ETFs

Which ASX ETFs could be buys for passive income?

Looking for an easy way to generate passive income? Here's how you could do it with ETFs.

Read more »

Two happy and excited friends in euphoria holding a smartphone, after winning in a bet.
ETFs

A new monthly ASX dividend ETF just hit the ASX

Another monthly dividend payer has joined the ASX.

Read more »

A woman presenting company news to investors looks back at the camera and smiles.
ETFs

5 reasons I'd buy the NDQ ETF with $10,000

Growth ETFs can be volatile, but I think this one could make sense for investors with a long-term view.

Read more »

Space rocket in front of moon
ETFs

Is this the easiest way to invest in the SpaceX IPO on the ASX?

If SpaceX IPOs, there's an easy way to buy in.

Read more »

Robot humanoid using artificial intelligence on a laptop.
Technology Shares

Why the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be the best way to capture the AI boom

You do not need to pick the next Nvidia to benefit from artificial intelligence. This single ASX-listed ETF could do…

Read more »

ETF in blue with person's hand in the direction of green and red bars on graph.
Share Market News

Here are the 3 best performing iShares ASX ETFs over the last year

These funds have raced higher in the last 12 months.

Read more »