Beating the market is not easy. The S&P/ASX 200 Index has delivered solid long-term returns, and for many investors, simply matching it is a strong outcome.
But I do think there are ways to tilt a portfolio toward areas that have the potential to outperform over time.
For me, that often means looking beyond the local market and focusing on structural growth trends.
Here are three BetaShares exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that I think have a reasonable chance of outperforming the ASX 200 over the next five years.
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BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)
The NDQ ETF is one of the most direct ways to gain exposure to global innovation.
It tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, which is heavily weighted toward companies leading in areas like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital platforms.
What stands out to me is the concentration of high-quality, high-growth businesses within this index.
Many of these companies have strong margins, global reach, and the ability to reinvest in their own growth.
Compared to the ASX 200, which is more heavily weighted toward banks and resources, the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides exposure to sectors that are driving much of the global economy forward.
Over a five-year period, I think that difference could matter.
BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)
Cybersecurity is one of those areas that I think will only become more important in the future.
As more of the world moves online, the need to protect data, systems, and infrastructure continues to grow.
The HACK ETF provides exposure to a portfolio of global companies focused on cybersecurity solutions.
What I like here is the underlying demand. This is not a discretionary spend in the same way as some other areas of technology. It is becoming a necessary investment for businesses and governments.
That creates a long-term growth runway.
If that demand continues to expand, I think companies in this space could deliver strong earnings growth over time.
BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)
The RBTZ ETF is another BetaShares ETF I think that could outperform. It focuses on companies involved in robotics and AI
This is a theme that I think is still in its early stages. Automation, machine learning, and AI-driven systems are being adopted across a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to healthcare to logistics.
The companies in this ETF are exposed to those trends.
What stands out to me is the breadth of applications. This is not a single industry story. It is a transformation happening across multiple sectors.
That creates a wide opportunity set, which could support growth over the coming years.
Foolish takeaway
Outperforming the ASX 200 is never guaranteed. But I think ETFs like these offer exposure to areas that are less represented in the local market and more aligned with global growth trends.
The NDQ ETF provides access to leading technology companies, the HACK ETF taps into the growing importance of cybersecurity, and the RBTZ ETF focuses on the rise of automation and AI.
For me, these are the kinds of themes that could drive returns over the next five years and potentially outperform the broader Australian market.
