Trying to predict which individual shares will perform best over the next year can be difficult, especially when markets are being pulled in different directions by technology, geopolitics, and economic uncertainty.
That is where exchange traded funds (ETFs) can shine. By focusing on long-term themes rather than short-term noise, they allow investors to stay exposed to powerful trends without relying on a single outcome.
But which funds could be buys for investors? Here are three ASX ETFs that I think could be best buys for the year ahead.
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Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)
The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides investors with exposure to the technology leaders shaping Asia's digital economy.
This ASX ETF invests in major regional players across ecommerce, payments, gaming, and hardware manufacturing. Key holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), and Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930).
Digital adoption across Asia continues to grow, supported by large populations and expanding middle classes. This bodes well for the fund's holdings, which stand to benefit greatly from these tailwinds over the next decade.
Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF targets a theme that is becoming more critical each year.
As businesses, governments, and individuals rely more heavily on digital systems, the need to protect data and networks continues to grow. This means that cybersecurity has become essential infrastructure rather than discretionary spending.
This ASX ETF holds global leaders in the industry such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). These companies benefit from recurring revenue models as organisations prioritise security regardless of economic conditions.
Looking ahead, cybersecurity demand appears structural rather than cyclical, which could make the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF a compelling long-term thematic exposure.
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (ASX: IXI)
A final ETF that could be among the best to buy this year is the iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF.
It provides investors with access to companies that provide products people buy regardless of what is going on in the economy.
Its portfolio includes household names like Nestle (SWX: NESN), Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO), Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT). These are global giants with strong brands, pricing power, and steady cash flows.
This gives the fund defensive qualities, which could be good if you think rising geopolitical tensions may cause market volatility in 2026.
