For long-term investors, one way to harness these forces is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that provide diversified exposure to the stocks driving them.

Here are three ASX ETFs that tap directly into megatrends that look set to run for decades.

Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

The shift to the cloud is no longer a future trend, it is now core infrastructure for the global economy. Businesses are increasingly moving data storage, software, and computing power away from offline systems and into scalable, cloud-based platforms.

The Betashares Cloud Computing ETF provides exposure to companies enabling this transformation. Its holdings include cloud software and infrastructure leaders such as Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT), ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), and Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP). These businesses sit at the centre of enterprise digitisation, e-commerce, and workflow automation.

As data usage grows and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads expand, demand for cloud services is likely to keep compounding over time, making the Betashares Cloud Computing ETF a pure-play way to access that structural shift. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

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

Automation and artificial intelligence are rapidly becoming essential productivity tools. Labour shortages, rising costs, and the need for efficiency are pushing companies to invest heavily in robotics and AI-driven systems.

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF targets businesses leading this transformation. Its portfolio includes Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), a key supplier of AI computing hardware, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN), a global leader in industrial automation.

This is a megatrend driven by necessity rather than hype. As economies digitise and industries modernise, robotics and AI adoption is likely to accelerate across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and services. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF (ASX: ACDC)

Electrification is transforming transport, energy storage, and power generation, and batteries sit at the heart of that transition. The Global X Battery Tech & Lithium ETF provides exposure to the stocks building the supply chain behind electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Its holdings span miners, battery manufacturers, and technology leaders such as Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: TSLA), Albemarle Corp (NYSE: ALB), and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL). Together, they reflect the end-to-end ecosystem required to support the global shift away from fossil fuels.

With governments and consumers pushing toward cleaner energy solutions, and battery costs continue to fall, demand for battery technology and lithium materials could grow strongly for many years. This bodes well for the companies held by this fund.

The post 3 ASX ETFs that benefit from unavoidable megatrends appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

To illustrate, the iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF (ASX: IOZ), a simple ASX 200 index fund, has returned 12.97% per annum since 31 October 2022.

The US markets have done far better, though. The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) has returned an average of 21.4% over that same timespan. That's exceptional, given that this index's long-term average is about 7.5% per annum.

However, there is one ASX ETF that has put these funds to shame.

It is known as the Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG).

Over the three years to 31 October, this ASX ETF has delivered not a 20% or 30% return per annum. Not even 40%.

Its average rate of return has been an astounding 54.24% per annum. This astronomical rate of return would have been enough to turn $10,000 into roughly $36,700 over that three-year span.

So how has this high-flying ASX ETF done it?

FAANGing to the top

Well, FANG is a fund that only holds ten stocks within it. By contrast, the ASX 200 ETF holds, well 200, and the S&P 500 fund, 500.

Those ten stocks are special, though. As you can probably gather from the name, they include all five members of the old 'FAANG' club – Facebook (now Meta Platforms), Apple, Amazon, Netflix and Google (now Alphabet).

In addition to these five stocks, FANG also holds Broadcom, CrowdStrike, NVIDIA Corp, ServiceNow and Microsoft.

Microsoft and NVIDIA are members of the 'Magnificent 7' club that FAANG has morphed into. Meanwhile, Broadcom is a chipmaker and software stock. ServiceNow operates in the cloud-based business software space, and Crowdstrike is a leader in cybersecurity.

As you can imagine, all of these companies have enjoyed a phenomenal few years, thanks to the boom in interest in AI-related companies.

To illustrate, Broadcom stock is up approximately 645% since early December 2022. Some other notable winners include Crowdstrike (up 311%), Meta Platforms (up 425%) and, of course, NVIDIA (up a massive 948.5%).

Given that all ten of these FANG stocks have been unbridled winners, it's no surprise to see the ETF deliver such breathtaking gains.

So is this ASX ETF a screaming buy?

Well, that's the trillion-dollar question. There's no doubt that FANG's ten holdings are some of the best and most profitable companies in the world, and many will probably continue to be for years to come. However, that doesn't mean this ETF will continue to grow at 50%-plus every year going forward. A majority of its holdings are now worth more than US$1 trillion, and in many cases, far higher than that. There comes a point when companies simply cannot sustain growth rates due to sheer size.

This ETF is also heavily exposed to the US tech sector. It is highly concentrated and may be punished if the now-positive sentiment turns against tech shares.

It is difficult to judge what kind of future this ASX ETF holds in store for its investors. I would be surprised if it continues to see anything close to its recent blazing performance in the years ahead. But then again, it's not hard to make the case that it represents a stake in some of the world's top businesses. Investors should keep in mind that FANG represents a very narrow bet on a narrow range of companies, and judge the risks and potential rewards for themselves.

The post Screaming buy? This ASX ETF has returned 54% a year since 2022 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Our homes, workplaces and even our governments are leaning more heavily into digital systems, smarter automation and cloud-driven technology. And when huge structural shifts like these occur, investors who position themselves early often reap the biggest rewards.

Fortunately, you don't need to be a tech expert or chase risky individual stocks to participate.

Several thematic ETFs provide simple, diversified exposure to the industries shaping the next decade. And if these megatrends continue gathering momentum, the ASX ETFs in this article could be among the strongest performers on the market.

BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

Cloud computing is one of the most powerful long-term structural trends in technology. Every year, more businesses move their operations into the cloud, relying on scalable platforms for data storage, workflow management and AI-driven tools. The BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF gives investors access to the companies building and enabling this infrastructure.

The ASX ETF's portfolio includes global names such as Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), which powers cloud-based e-commerce; ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), a leader in digital workflow automation; and Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world's largest cloud CRM provider. These companies don't just benefit from cloud adoption, they help accelerate it, creating sticky recurring revenue and deep customer integration.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

As the world becomes more digital, cyber threats are increasing at an alarming pace. Businesses, governments and individuals all require greater protection, and this is driving explosive growth in the cybersecurity sector. The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF offers exposure to key players in this space.

This fund includes heavyweights such as CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), known for its AI-powered endpoint protection; Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), a leader in enterprise network security; and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT), which provides integrated cybersecurity solutions. These companies enjoy rising demand regardless of economic cycles because cybersecurity is no longer optional, it is essential.

And with cybercrime expected to cost trillions globally over the next decade, the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF is positioned at the heart of a growth story that shows no signs of slowing.

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

Finally, robotics and artificial intelligence are transforming industries from manufacturing to healthcare. The BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides access to companies leading these innovations.

Its holdings include Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), the chipmaker powering most of the world's AI systems; ABB (SWX: ABBN), a global leader in industrial robotics; and Fanuc (TSE: 6954), which produces factory automation technologies used across automotive, electronics and aerospace manufacturing.

As automation spreads and AI becomes embedded in everyday business operations, companies in this ASX ETF's portfolio could enjoy substantial growth tailwinds.

The post 3 ASX thematic ETFs that could boom over the next decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

That's because rather than trying to pick a single winning stock, ETFs allow you to buy a basket of stocks in one fell swoop.

But which ASX ETFs could be good options for Aussie investors today? Let's look at three top picks for investors in November. They are named below:

Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

The Betashares Cloud Computing ETF could be a top pick for Aussie investors. It provides exposure to global cloud leaders such as Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW) and ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW).

These are enabling businesses to manage and analyse sales and data more efficiently. And with cloud services now essential for AI, remote work, and cybersecurity, this ASX ETF offers investors a front-row seat to the cloud transformation.

It was recently tipped as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

For investors with a higher tolerance for risk, the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF could be worth considering.

It provides exposure to stocks that are building the digital asset ecosystem. While the crypto market has seen its fair share of volatility, the long-term opportunity in blockchain technology, tokenisation, and decentralised finance remains significant.

The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF's holdings include stocks such as Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), which is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, and Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ: MARA), which is a key Bitcoin miner. While volatile, these businesses are positioned to benefit if digital assets continue their march into mainstream finance.

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

A third ASX ETF that could be a buy is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This fund is designed to capture growth from one of the defining megatrends of our time, automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

It provides easy exposure to stocks that are building robots, AI software, and technologies that are reshaping industries. Its holdings include Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), which is a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), whose chips power much of today's AI revolution.

With adoption of AI expected to accelerate over the coming decades, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors an easy way to ride this structural growth wave.

The team at Betashares also recently tipped it as one to buy.

The post Where to invest $5,000 in ASX ETFs in November appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Let's see what makes them potentially top picks for Aussie investors with money to put into the share market:

BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

Cloud computing has been called one of the most transformative trends of the 21st century and it is still only partway through its story. The BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF gives investors access to stocks powering the world's digital backbone.

Its holdings include Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). These are all leaders in cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, and online services.

ServiceNow's software helps large organisations automate workflows and reduce inefficiencies, becoming an indispensable tool for corporations undergoing digital transformation. With its customer base growing across government and enterprise sectors, the company is well-positioned to capture more of the global shift toward automation and cloud-based operations.

Analysts at Betashares recently named the BetaShares Cloud Computing ETF as one to consider buying.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

If you want a focus on quality, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF is hard to beat.

This fund invests in US-listed stocks that have wide economic moats. These are competitive advantages that make them difficult to disrupt. Holdings include names such as Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Nike (NYSE: NKE), Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), and Applied Materials (NASDAQ: AMAT).

With respect to Adobe, its subscription-based software suite, which includes Photoshop, Acrobat, and its growing Experience Platform, continues to deliver reliable recurring revenue and robust profit margins. Its entrenched market position, coupled with expanding AI integration, makes it a textbook example of what wide moat investing is all about.

BetaShares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

Finally, India represents one of the most exciting long-term growth stories on the planet.

The BetaShares India Quality ETF provides exposure to high-quality Indian stocks benefiting from rapid urbanisation, digital transformation, and a rising middle class. Its portfolio includes leaders such as Infosys (NYSE: INFY), Reliance Industries (NSEI: RELIANCE), Tata Consultancy Services (NSEI: TCS), and Bharti Airtel.

A standout here is Reliance Industries, one of India's largest conglomerates. Its operations span energy, retail, and telecommunications. These are sectors that are all expanding alongside the country's economy. Reliance's pivot toward digital services and green energy could make it a long-term winner as India continues modernising.

It was also recently named as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs next week appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But with signs that cooler heads will prevail and a full-blown trade war likely to be avoided, attention is turning back to what could come next.

And if history is any guide, periods of uncertainty often set the stage for the next major market rally.

For long-term investors, that means now could be the ideal time to focus on high-quality, growth-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) positioned to lead the next upswing.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be standouts when the next market boom arrives.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is one of the simplest and most effective ways to gain exposure to the world's leading growth companies. It gives investors access to the 100 largest (non-financial) stocks on the Nasdaq index.

While technology dominates the fund, it is more than just the usual household names. The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF's portfolio includes global leaders such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), and Costco (NASDAQ: COST).

These businesses are highly profitable, globally diversified, and many sit at the centre of megatrends like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation. If optimism returns and investors re-embrace growth, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could once again be a front-runner in the next bull market.

Betashares Australian Momentum ETF (ASX: MTUM)

The Betashares Australian Momentum ETF offers investors a unique way to capture strong-performing Australian shares. Unlike traditional index funds, this ASX ETF doesn't hold the same shares all the time. It dynamically adjusts its holdings based on momentum, focusing on shares that are already trending higher.

This strategy can work particularly well in rising markets, as it systematically identifies and holds the shares leading the charge. At present, the Betashares Australian Momentum ETF's portfolio includes Qantas Airways Ltd (ASX: QAN), Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN). These are a blend of cyclical and defensive names that reflects the current market's mixed sentiment.

If market confidence improves and Australian equities regain upward momentum, this ASX ETF's strategy is designed to capitalise automatically, keeping investors exposed to the strongest trends without the need to trade in and out of individual shares.

Analysts at Betashares recently recommended this fund.

Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

The Betashares Cloud Computing ETF is another ASX ETF to consider. It gives investors access to one of the most powerful long-term growth stories in technology. That is the global shift to the cloud.

Businesses across every industry are moving their operations, data, and services online, and this transformation is still only in its middle stages.

The Betashares Cloud Computing ETF holds a portfolio of companies driving this revolution, including Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), and Salesforce (NYSE: CRM). These provide the digital tools, infrastructure, and platforms that modern enterprises rely on to operate efficiently and scale globally.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post 3 high-growth ASX ETFs that could lead the next market boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Companies behind cloud computing, artificial intelligence, e-commerce, and semiconductors have reshaped entire industries and delivered extraordinary returns to shareholders.

For Australian investors, however, direct access to these opportunities can be difficult. That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. With a single trade on the ASX, you can own a basket of the world's most innovative companies.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be among the best ways to invest in global tech from Australia.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides exposure to 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq exchange, the beating heart of U.S. technology. Investors get instant ownership of household names like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), alongside growth stories in sectors like e-commerce and digital media.

It is a simple, low-cost way to invest in some of the world's most valuable companies, all in one trade.

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

Artificial intelligence and automation are no longer fringe technologies — they are increasingly central to how businesses operate. The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF invests in stocks at the forefront of this transformation.

Its portfolio spans innovators such as Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), a pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, and Keyence Corporation, which is a leader in factory automation. With AI adoption accelerating across industries, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF offers exposure to one of the biggest structural growth themes of our time.

It was recently named as one for investors to consider buying by Betashares.

Betashares Cloud Computing ETF (ASX: CLDD)

The shift to the cloud has been one of the defining business trends of the past decade, and it still has years to run. The Betashares Cloud Computing ETF captures this growth by investing in leading cloud infrastructure and software companies.

That includes holdings like Shopify (NASDAQ: SHOP), which specialises in cloud-based ecommerce software, and ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW), a global leader in digital workflow solutions. As more businesses move operations online and adopt multi-cloud strategies, the demand for these services should keep growing strongly.

This fund was also recently named as one to consider buying by the team at Betashares.

The post 3 of the best ASX ETFs to invest in global tech from Australia appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Yep, between 19 February and 13 March, the S&P 500 fell by 10.13%.

Over in the US, the big tech stocks like Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Tesla and Amazon command the largest weighting on the stock market, just as the big four banks do here on the ASX.

Given this fall in the S&P 500, it will come as no surprise to hear that the 'magnificent seven' tech stocks had a rather nasty few weeks, too. For example, Apple stock tanked by more than 15% between 25 February and 13 March. Nvidia fared even worse, crashing 24% between 20 February and 10 March.

Over a similar period, Tesla shares plunged more than 38%, although there were probably other factors at play there.

More recent weeks have been kinder to some of the big tech stocks over the States.

But whether we have truly found a bottom and turned a corner remains to be seen. After all, we are set for a fairly dramatic week on global markets this week with President Donald Trump's tariff 'liberation day' fast approaching.

However, if an investor reckons we've hit or already seen a bottom in this big tech correction, there is one ASX ETF that might be a top buy.

One ASX ETF to buy if big tech has bottomed

That ASX ETF is the Global X FANG+ ETF (ASX: FANG). This exchange-traded fund (ETF) is essentially a pure-play bet on the biggest US tech stocks. Unlike most ASX ETFs, it holds a very small portfolio, with only ten underlying holdings at present. Those ten underlying holdings consist of six of the magnificent seven stocks (Tesla misses out), in addition to Netflix, Crowdstrike Holdings, ServiceNow and Broadcom.

These ten shares are given an equal weighting of approximately 10% each.

As such, if an ASX investor is looking for a quick and easy way to invest in the biggest tech stocks on the US markets, this ETF is a prime candidate. On an on-going basis, it is more expensive owning this ETF than the individual stocks, with FANG charging a management fee of 0.35% per annum.

As one would expect, FANG has also had a volatile few weeks. Between 18 February and 11 March, FANG units cratered by 17.22%. Those same units are still 17.5% down from where they were on 18 February.

Let's see how the rest of 2025 treats the Global X FANG+ ETF. If we have indeed seen a bottom for big tech over in the US, this will be an interesting fund to watch.

The post Think big tech has bottomed? Buy this ASX ETF appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

The fund consists of "a high-conviction portfolio of quality global listed equities from a research driven, bottom-up investment philosophy". It's looking for companies that have predictable earnings, low debt, sustainable competitive advantages, organic growth options and experienced and proven management teams. 

The September 2022 monthly update shows the fund has declined 31.8% over the past 12 months. The biggest detractors to performance were some of the largest and most popular global tech stocks.

Even for those of us who are somewhat numb to just how far these fallen heroes have tumbled, when the numbers are laid bare, you see just how brutal this market has been for a number of large-cap tech stocks.

Block (NYSE: SQ) – down 74%

Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) – down 80%

Spotify (NYSE: SPOT) – down 57%

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) – down 55%

How the mighty have fallen. 

Yet Hyperion are sticking to their guns, confident in what they believe will be a low-growth inflationary environment, that such an environment is best for their investing style.

Hyperion says that while short-term performance has been unpredictable, and acknowledging it has been a difficult period for investors, the fund believes it has allocated capital to businesses that will produce superior long-term results. 

The top five holdings at the end of September were all large-cap US tech stocks, namely Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), ServiceNow (NYSE: NOW) and Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB). Combined, they made up over half the Hyperion Global Growth Companies Fund portfolio.

Hyperion went on to say its "global portfolio continues to produce strong short-term financial results which are consistent with the assumptions that underpin our long-term valuations," saying it believes its portfolio "should perform relatively well in an economic downturn".

The Hyperion Global Growth Companies Fund share price has fallen 31.7% over the past 12 months, in line with the underlying performance of the fund.

The post Tough year for leading global growth fund laid bare with brutal fall in tech stocks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.