Trying to predict the next big individual stock is incredibly difficult. Even the most promising companies can stumble over time.
One way investors can tilt the odds in their favour is by focusing on powerful long-term trends instead. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) built around structural themes can capture entire industries that are expanding over time rather than relying on a single company.
With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could potentially be massive winners by 2036.
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Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
The first ASX ETF that could be a big long-term winner is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.
Automation is steadily reshaping how the global economy operates. From warehouse robots and autonomous vehicles to machine learning software and advanced manufacturing systems, businesses are increasingly relying on intelligent machines to boost productivity.
This fund invests across the companies building this new infrastructure. Its holdings include Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), which supplies the high-performance chips powering artificial intelligence (AI) systems, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), a leader in robotic-assisted surgery, and Keyence, which develops advanced factory automation sensors.
The interesting thing about automation is that its adoption often accelerates over time. As labour shortages, rising costs, and productivity demands increase, businesses have strong incentives to automate more processes.
That dynamic could support strong growth across the robotics and AI ecosystem for many years. It is partly for this reason that the fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.
Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)
Another ASX ETF that could become a major long-term winner is the Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF.
The shift toward electrification is changing multiple industries simultaneously. Electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable electronics all depend on advanced battery technology.
This fund focuses on companies involved throughout the battery supply chain. This includes lithium producers such as Albemarle (NYSE: ALB), battery manufacturers like Contemporary Amperex Technology, and electric vehicle giant Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA).
As countries push to decarbonise their economies, the demand for energy storage solutions is expected to rise significantly. Batteries will be central not only to electric transport but also to stabilising renewable-heavy electricity grids.
If those trends continue to gather momentum, the companies enabling this transition could see strong growth over the next decade.
This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Global X.
Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
A final ASX ETF that could still deliver impressive returns over the long term is the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF.
Rather than focusing on a single theme, this fund provides exposure to a collection of companies that are driving the modern digital economy. The Nasdaq 100 index includes businesses involved in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, ecommerce, semiconductors, and software.
Its holdings include companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), which provides the global infrastructure behind cloud computing, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), whose devices form a massive consumer technology ecosystem, and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), which sits at the centre of the AI computing boom.
Importantly, the index evolves over time. New innovators enter the benchmark as industries change, allowing investors to remain exposed to emerging technology leaders.
Over the long run, that adaptability has helped the Nasdaq 100 remain closely aligned with the companies shaping the future of the global economy.
