Some of the most exciting opportunities in the market today are being driven by global technology, automation, and cybersecurity trends. The good news is that ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) make it easy to access these themes in a single trade.

Here are five ASX ETFs that could supercharge your portfolio.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that could add serious growth potential is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund provides exposure to leading technology companies across Asia, a region that continues to digitise rapidly.

Its holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

What makes this fund compelling is its exposure to markets that are still in earlier stages of digital adoption compared to the US, which could translate into strong long-term growth.

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

Another ASX ETF that could boost returns is the BetaShares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This ETF targets companies at the forefront of automation and AI, industries that are transforming how businesses operate.

Key holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and Keyence.

Rather than focusing on a single niche, this ETF spreads exposure across multiple applications of AI and robotics, giving it a broad growth runway. It was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)

A third ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF.

This fund provides exposure to Australia's leading technology companies, offering a way to back local innovation.

Its holdings include Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE).

This ETF gives investors access to businesses that are growing both domestically and internationally, with scalable models and strong long-term potential. It was also recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL)

Another ASX ETF that could strengthen a portfolio is the VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF.

It focuses on high-quality global companies with strong balance sheets, stable earnings, and competitive advantages.

Its holdings include Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Visa (NYSE: V).

This focus on quality helps balance out more aggressive growth exposures, providing a layer of resilience while still offering solid long-term returns. It was recently recommended by the team at VanEck.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

A fifth ASX ETF that could round out a portfolio is the BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF.

This fund targets companies involved in cybersecurity, an area that is becoming increasingly critical as digital threats continue to rise.

Key holdings include CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Zscaler (NASDAQ: ZS).

As businesses and governments invest more heavily in protecting data and systems, demand for cybersecurity solutions is expected to grow.

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AI adoption is scaling rapidly, and it is now being considered a structural growth theme in global equities.

Rising earnings and visible demand

According to the report, the investment in infrastructure required to build, train, and deploy AI systems at scale represents a multi-year capital cycle with visible demand, rising earnings, and strong competitive positions across the supply chain. 

The commercial applications for AI are broad: 

• automating software engineering
• improving ad targeting
• accelerating scientific research
• optimising supply chains
• transforming enterprise workflows. 

Deploying these systems at scale requires substantial infrastructure, spanning advanced semiconductors, hyperscale data centres, high-performance networking, and significant power generation capacity. 

The depth of this capital requirement, combined with the breadth of end-market demand, is what makes AI a structural rather than cyclical investment theme.

The pillars supporting AI infrastructure

Canaccord said that adoption and monetisation are accelerating. 

Data shows ChatGPT reached 900 million weekly active users in February 2026 – a 350% increase in 18 months. 

AI adoption has moved well beyond  early experimentation. Revenue has followed. Enterprise generative AI spending surged from approximately US$11.5 billion in 2024 to May-24 US$37 billion in 2025, a threefold increase.

At the same time, falling AI costs are accelerating demand and valuations have de-rated while earnings revisions remain positive. 

The pullback in AI-linked equities over the past six months has compressed valuations to levels where the market appears to be pricing in deceleration risk. 

What should investors be targeting?

Canaccord's preferred exposure is to AI semiconductors and capital equipment. 

It listed 6 stocks for AI themed exposure: 

• Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN)
• ASML (NASDAQ: ASML)
• Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO)
• Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT)
• Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)
• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM). 

NVIDIA dominates AI-training GPUs, Broadcom leads custom silicon design, TSMC fabricates the leading edge chips both depend on, and ASML holds a monopoly in the lithography systems underpinning advanced production. 

Amazon and Microsoft offer the largest and most profitable cloud platforms, where AI workloads are driving revenue reacceleration and backlog growth.

For investors looking to basket these companies together, Canaccord pointed towards the Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI). 

The report said SEMI is the most accessible option for Australian-based investors: ASX-listed in Australian dollars, across the 30 largest global semiconductor companies, with meaningful weight in TSMC, ASML, Nvidia, and Broadcom.

However it did note that no single ETF isolates the combination of semiconductors and selective hyperscalers from the report. 

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Rather than trying to pick individual winners, these funds give you exposure to entire industries and regions that are shaping the future. The key is finding ETFs with strong tailwinds and unique angles that could drive long-term growth.

Here are three fantastic ASX ETFs to consider right now.

BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The first ASX ETF that stands out is the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

While many investors focus heavily on US tech, this fund offers exposure to a different engine of global growth. It targets leading technology companies across Asia, a region with rapidly expanding digital economies and massive populations.

Key holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

What makes the BetaShares Asia Technology Tigers ETF interesting right now is the potential for a shift in sentiment. Asian tech has lagged in recent years due to regulatory and macro concerns, but the long-term growth story remains intact.

If conditions stabilise, this could be a part of the market that surprises on the upside.

The team at BetaShares recently recommended this fund.

VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF (ASX: ESPO)

Another ASX ETF that could be worth considering is the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF.

This fund is not just about gaming in the traditional sense. It is a play on interactive entertainment, digital ecosystems, and how people spend their time and money online.

Its holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Nintendo, and Roblox (NYSE: RBLX).

What sets this ETF apart is its exposure to both the creators and enablers of gaming. From chipmakers powering graphics to developers building immersive experiences, it captures the full value chain.

As gaming continues to evolve into a global, always-on form of entertainment, the VanEck Video Gaming and Esports ETF offers a way to participate in that shift.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at VanEck.

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

A third ASX ETF that looks compelling is the Betashares Global Robotics And Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This fund provides exposure to companies leading the automation and AI revolution. This includes businesses involved in robotics, machine learning, and industrial automation.

Among its holdings are Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Keyence Corporation, and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN).

Rather than focusing on a single application of AI, this ETF spreads exposure across multiple industries where automation is becoming essential.

From manufacturing to healthcare, these technologies are transforming how work gets done. That gives the Betashares Global Robotics And Artificial Intelligence ETF a broad and durable growth runway.

This fund was also recently recommended by analysts at BetaShares.

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Right now, that appears to be technology.

After a strong run, many tech names have pulled back amid concerns around interest rates and how artificial intelligence might reshape parts of the industry. That shift in sentiment has made the space feel more uncertain in the short term.

But it has also made it more interesting.

If I were looking for a single exchange-traded fund (ETF) to gain exposure to that uncertainty, while still backing the long-term opportunity, one fund that stands out to me is the Vanguard Global Technology Index ETF (ASX: VTEK).

A different way to think about tech exposure

When people think about investing in technology, the focus is often on a handful of well-known US stocks like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia, Meta Platforms.

But the reality is more complex than that. Technology is not just about the platforms we use every day. It is also about the infrastructure that powers them, the chips that run them, and the systems that connect everything together.

That is where the VTEK ETF feels a little different.

It provides exposure to a broad group of around 300 global technology companies, spanning everything from software and cloud computing to semiconductors and advanced manufacturing. This includes ASML, Broadcom, Taiwan Semiconductor, and Shopify.

For me, that wider lens matters. It means you are not relying on one specific trend or trying to pick the next winner. Instead, you are backing the ecosystem as a whole.

The selloff could be doing the heavy lifting

One of the challenges with investing in technology is valuation. When sentiment is strong, it can be difficult to justify buying in at elevated prices.

That is why periods like this can be useful. The recent pullback has taken some of the heat out of the sector. It does not mean tech is suddenly cheap across the board, but it does mean expectations have come down.

I think that shift can be important. Lower expectations can make it easier for companies to surprise on the upside over time, particularly if underlying demand continues to grow.

Not just a US story

Another aspect I like about the VTEK ETF is that it is not solely focused on the United States. While US companies still play a major role, the fund also includes technology leaders from Europe and Asia.

That matters because innovation is not confined to one region.

Semiconductor manufacturing, for example, is heavily concentrated in parts of Asia, while specialised equipment and advanced engineering often come from Europe.

By spreading exposure across regions, I think this Vanguard ETF better reflects how the global technology landscape actually works.

It will not be a smooth ride

That said, this is not a low-volatility investment. Technology shares can move sharply, particularly when interest rates are rising or sentiment turns cautious.

This ETF is designed for growth, which means it is likely to experience ups and downs along the way.

For me, the key is being comfortable with that. If you are investing in this space, it needs to be with a long-term mindset.

Foolish takeaway

Calling any single Vanguard ETF the best is always a stretch. Different investors will have different goals, and what works for one person may not suit another.

But I do think the VTEK ETF makes a strong case right now. It offers broad exposure to the global technology sector, captures multiple layers of innovation, and comes at a time when sentiment has cooled.

For investors who believe in the long-term role of technology in the global economy, I think it is an ETF that is well worth a closer look.

The post Is this the best Vanguard ETF money can buy right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

iShares is a family of ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) created and managed by BlackRock, one of the world's largest asset managers.

Here are some of iShares' best performing ASX ETFs over the past 12 months.

iShares Msci South Korea ETF (ASX: IKO)

This ASX ETF tracks the performance of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of Korean large-cap and  mid-cap companies.

The Korean economy saw modest growth in 2025, however this fund was able to capture some of the record breaking exports from last year. 

Electronics, and technology companies in particular rose sharply in 2025. 

These companies make up roughly half of the fund. 

By sector, its largest exposure is to: 

• Information Technology (48.95%)
• Industrials (19.29%)
• Financials (10.35%)

In fact, the country's annual exports exceeded $700 billion for the first time. This was largely on the back of semiconductor demand.

Semiconductors play an important role in the AI landscape.

This all contributed to a fantastic year for this ASX ETF which is now up more than 80% in the last 12 months. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Asia 50 ETF (ASX: IAA)

This more broad – Asia tracking ASX ETF enjoyed strong returns for many of the same reasons. 

This fund from iShares aims to track the performance of the S&P Asia 50 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of 50 of the largest Asian companies domiciled in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan. 

It has a strong exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) company which rose more than 50% in the last year. 

This one holding makes up more than a quarter of the fund by weighting. 

There are currently 52 holdings in total. 

In the last 12 months, this ASX ETF has risen by an impressive 41%. 

iShares International Equity ETFs – iShares Europe ETF (ASX: IEU)

Changing continents, this ASX ETF aims to track the performance of the S&P Europe 350 Index, before fees and expenses. 

The index is designed to measure the performance of large capitalisation equities and covers 16 major developed European markets.

Geographically, this funds' largest exposure is to:

• United Kingdom (23.51%)
• France (15.94%)
• Switzerland (14.42%)
• Germany (14.32%)

It is up more than 21% since this time last year. 

The post The best performing iShares ASX ETFs last year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Yet history shows that wealth is usually built by backing the right assets and then giving them time to work, not by constantly tweaking a portfolio.

If your goal is to invest once, stay invested, and let global growth do the heavy lifting over the next decade, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are hard to beat. They offer portfolio diversification, exposure to powerful structural trends, and far less stress than trying to pick individual winners.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026 and worth holding through to at least 2036.

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, excluding Japan. These are businesses powering everything from ecommerce and digital payments to semiconductors and social media across fast-growing economies.

Key holdings include companies such as WeChat owner Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Temu owner PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and ecommerce leader Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA).

While Asian tech stocks can be volatile in the short term, the long-term opportunity is compelling and underpinned by rising middle classes, accelerating digital adoption, and ongoing innovation.

This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is one of the simplest ways to invest in many of the world's highest-quality growth companies. It tracks the Nasdaq 100 Index, which is home to global leaders in technology, consumer services, and healthcare.

While the Magnificent Seven often dominate headlines, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF also provides exposure to businesses beyond that group. This includes stocks like Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Intuit (NASDAQ: INTU), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), and Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST).

Over a 10-year horizon, continued investment in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services could help the Magnificent Seven and these businesses compound earnings well into the 2030s.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

The Betashares India Quality ETF offers a different kind of long-term opportunity. Rather than focusing purely on technology, it targets high-quality Indian stocks with strong balance sheets, sustainable earnings, and competitive advantages.

India is forecast to be one of the fastest-growing major economies over the next decade, driven by favourable demographics, infrastructure investment, and a rapidly expanding middle class.

The Betashares India Quality ETF provides exposure to this growth through a diversified portfolio of businesses across financials, consumer sectors, and industrials.

For investors looking to diversify beyond developed markets, this fund adds an attractive growth engine to a long-term portfolio. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

The post The best ASX ETFs to buy in 2026 and hold until at least 2036 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a powerful way to position for those opportunities, offering diversification and exposure to major global themes without the need to pick individual stocks.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026 for investors focused on long-term growth.

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

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF could be worth considering in 2026. It gives investors exposure to companies at the forefront of automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. These technologies are no longer speculative concepts; they are already reshaping the world.

The fund holds a diversified portfolio of global leaders, including NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN). While all three benefit from the AI and automation boom, NVIDIA stands out as a key enabler. Its chips power everything from data centres to advanced AI models, making it one of the central beneficiaries of accelerating AI adoption worldwide.

The fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF that could be a buy this year is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF. It provides investors with access to some of the most influential technology companies across Asia.

This includes exposure to businesses driving innovation in e-commerce, semiconductors, gaming, and artificial intelligence across China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Key holdings include Tencent Holdings Ltd (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (NYSE: BABA). Among these, TSMC plays a particularly critical role. As the world's leading semiconductor foundry, it manufactures advanced chips used by many of the biggest global technology companies, making it a foundational player in the digital economy.

As Asia's middle class continues to expand and digital adoption accelerates across the region, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF appears well-placed for the future. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF (ASX: BEMG)

A final ASX ETF that could be a top pick for 2026 is the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF. It offers broad exposure to large and mid-cap companies across emerging economies. These markets are often driven by powerful tailwinds such as population growth, urbanisation, and rising consumer demand.

The ETF provides exposure to over 1,000 stocks across 24 emerging market countries, with major holdings including SK Hynix Inc, Xiaomi (SEHK: 1810), and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (KRX: 005930).

For investors looking to diversify beyond developed economies and tap into faster-growing regions, the Betashares MSCI Emerging Markets Complex ETF could play a valuable role in a long-term portfolio. Betashares recently recommended this one to investors as well.

The post 3 strong ASX ETFs that could be top buys in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But don't worry if you're not a fan of stock-picking. That's because exchange traded funds (ETFs) are here to save the day by offering simply access to large groups of stocks in one fell swoop.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that I would buy for the long term:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers investors exposure to the top 100 non-financial stocks listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

This effectively means a concentrated basket of the world's most innovative technology leaders. Inside the ASX ETF, you will find giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), along with rising players like Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) and Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO).

The Nasdaq 100 has historically outperformed most global indices thanks to its tilt toward fast-growing industries like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, consumer tech, and semiconductors. And with AI now driving a generational infrastructure buildout, many of the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF's largest holdings remain central to that global transformation.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF targets some of the most influential and fast-growing technology companies across China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Key holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), SK Hynix (KRX: 000660), Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA), Samsung Electronics (KRX: 005930), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM), and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).

These companies sit at the heart of global megatrends like e-commerce, artificial intelligence, social media, and semiconductor manufacturing. Taiwan Semiconductor, for example, produces the world's most advanced chips and plays a crucial role in powering everything from smartphones to autonomous vehicles. Tencent and Alibaba, meanwhile, dominate entertainment, cloud, and digital payments across Asia.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity has become one of the most essential industries in the digital economy, and the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides simple access to the world leaders in the space.

Its portfolio includes CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). These are companies using advanced AI-powered tools to protect governments, corporations, and consumers from increasingly complex cyber threats.

One standout holding is CrowdStrike. The company's Falcon platform is widely considered one of the most advanced security solutions available, capable of detecting threats in real time through machine learning. With cyberattacks rising globally and businesses moving more systems into the cloud, cybersecurity spending is expected to grow steadily for years to come.

The post 3 ASX ETFs I'd buy right now to build wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

And for anyone thinking about building long-term wealth for children or grandchildren, a simple, low-maintenance investment strategy is often the smartest way forward.

That's where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) come in. With just a few high-quality ETFs, you can create a globally diversified portfolio designed to compound steadily over decades.

If I were building a long-term portfolio for future kids or grandkids, these are three ASX ETFs I would consider choosing.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers exposure to the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is home to some of the world's most innovative businesses. This includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). These are companies driving advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, and consumer technology.

The Nasdaq has a long track record of outperforming many global indices thanks to its focus on high-growth sectors. Over a 10- to 20-year period, these businesses tend to reinvest heavily, innovate quickly, and grow earnings at a far faster rate than traditional industries.

For a child or grandchild with decades ahead of them, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF could be a powerful long-term compounding machine.

Betashares India Quality ETF (ASX: IIND)

India is shaping up to be one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, driven by rapid urbanisation, favourable demographics, and rising disposable incomes.

The Betashares India Quality ETF gives Australian investors a simple way to participate in this growth by owning a basket of high-quality Indian stocks that have been screened for strong profitability and financial strength.

Some of its notable holdings include Reliance Industries (NSEI: RELIANCE), Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and Tata Consultancy Services (NSEI: TCS). These are businesses that play central roles in India's digital transformation, infrastructure expansion, and economic development.

As India's middle class continues to grow and consumption accelerates, the country's long-term investment case looks compelling. This fund was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Asia is home to some of the most influential technology companies on the planet, and the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF captures them in a single trade.

This popular ASX ETF invests in giants such as Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA). These are businesses that dominate gaming, social media, e-commerce, semiconductors, and AI hardware.

The region's tech sector is expanding rapidly as digital adoption accelerates, cloud usage grows, and AI investment soars. For a child with decades of compounding ahead, exposure to Asia's innovation engine could be incredibly valuable.

The post The ASX ETFs I'd buy for my kids or grandkids appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

It seems the artificial intelligence (AI) race has escalated once again following President Donald Trump's announcement that he has issued an executive order to launch Project Genesis. The administration compared its significance to the famous Manhattan Project, the World War 2 initiative to develop the atomic bomb. 

Project Genesis aims to develop an artificial intelligence platform utilizing supercomputers and data from various government agencies to accelerate America's efforts in advanced manufacturing, national security, and other key areas. While it's still early and the executive order didn't detail any specific funding, a federal AI initiative makes it all the more likely that the leading technology companies will continue to benefit from strong AI tailwinds that have made them such lucrative investments over the past few years.

Here are the top AI stocks to buy right now. 

1. Alphabet

Google's parent company Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG) surged recently following the release of its well-received AI model, Gemini 3. Notably, Alphabet trained Gemini 3 on its own Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) chips, which are purpose-built for its machine-learning workloads. Alphabet's TPUs have gained enough attention that Meta Platforms is reportedly considering implementing them in its data centers.

Alphabet's stock has soared over the past few weeks as the market recognized that it owns all the components of an AI ecosystem, including data centers, AI models, a cloud platform, and vast amounts of user data to train its models. Despite the stock's hot momentum, it's still trading at a reasonable price/earnings-to-growth ratio (PEG) of 1.8, a solid buying point for long-term investors today.

2. Nvidia

As the current leader in AI chip technology, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has enjoyed a significant market share in the data center chip market, estimated to be as high as 92%. The company probably doesn't like seeing reports that its customers (Meta Platforms) are looking at other chips. However, Project Genesis is the latest signal that the AI market will ultimately be massive, perhaps too large for any single company to supply all the chips.

Nvidia's cutting-edge graphics processing units (GPUs) and CUDA programming arguably make it the fundamental AI company, as virtually every AI hyperscaler is using its chips. Nvidia will also likely receive numerous opportunities as the government ramps up its AI plans.

Eventually, Nvidia could expand beyond data centers into other AI applications, such as robotics and autonomous driving. It already has its eyes on both industries.

3. Taiwan Semiconductor

Which company is fabricating all of these AI chips? It's probably Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE: TSM), the world's leading foundry (a company that manufactures chips). Taiwan Semiconductor's advanced manufacturing technology and capacity to produce mass quantities of high-end chips have enabled it to increase its market share in the AI era.

Today, Taiwan Semiconductor accounts for approximately 71% of the global foundry services market, measured as revenue share. Considering AI's thirst for computing power and the fact that all chip roads essentially lead to Taiwan Semiconductor, it's basically the ultimate pick-and-shovel AI play. The stock's PEG ratio of 1 is enticing for buyers.

4. Amazon

E-commerce giant Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is a sneaky AI stock because it also operates the world's largest cloud computing platform in Amazon Web Services (AWS). AI, like most software today, runs in the cloud, giving Amazon a front-row seat to the AI growth opportunity. It has also developed a close partnership with Anthropic, one of the leading AI developers and a potential benefactor of Project Genesis.

Amazon and Anthropic just launched one of the world's largest AI chip clusters, which will have nearly 1 million of Amazon's custom AI chips by the end of this year. It could be a preview of what's to come as the government invests in AI infrastructure.

Much of this AI demand could flow to AWS, producing a windfall for Amazon. The stock is attractively priced now, with a PEG ratio below 1.6.

5. Microsoft

Diversified tech-giant Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) operates Azure, the world's second-leading cloud computing platform. However, investors may want to own Microsoft for its close ties with OpenAI, the leading AI developer behind ChatGPT. Many view OpenAI as an AI pioneer, so it's hard to see Project Genesis not producing opportunities for OpenAI along the way.

Microsoft is tied to OpenAI through 2032 via a newly announced agreement, and the two companies are pooling their knowledge and resources to develop custom AI chips. Microsoft's large size and diverse businesses probably make it the slow-and-steady name on this list.

That may not be a bad thing, considering how unpredictable the AI boom has already proven to be. The company's PEG ratio of 1.8 is a reasonable valuation to pay for the stock.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The post What are the 5 top artificial intelligence (AI) stocks to buy right now? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

There are currently 11 public companies that boast market capitalizations of at least $1 trillion. In order from largest to smallest, they are:

1. Nvidia: $4.6 trillion
2. Apple: $4 trillion
3. Microsoft: $3.8 trillion
4. Alphabet: $3.3 trillion
5. Amazon: $2.5 trillion
6. Saudi Aramco: $1.7 trillion
7. Broadcom: $1.6 trillion
8. Meta Platforms: $1.5 trillion
9. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM): $1.5 trillion
10. Tesla: $1.3 trillion
11. Berkshire Hathaway: $1.1 trillion

You might notice that with the exceptions of conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway and the Saudi oil powerhouse, all of the market's trillion-dollar stocks share a common thread: artificial intelligence (AI).

Prior to the dawn of the AI revolution, Apple, Microsoft, and Alphabet were the only companies that featured trillion-dollar valuations consistently. This is important to point out, as Nvidia -- which is now the world's most valuable company -- witnessed historic levels of market-cap expansion over the last three years thanks entirely to the AI boom.

While Nvidia remains king of the parallel processing chip realm, the technology behemoth has to give a lot of credit to its manufacturing partners -- particularly Taiwan Semi.

TSM Market Cap data by YCharts.

While TSMC's market value has already risen nearly fourfold during the AI revolution, I think its rally could continue as investment in AI infrastructure begins to kick into a new gear.

Let's explore what makes Taiwan Semi such an important variable within the broader AI equation, and assess what supports my view that the stock could double over the next couple of years, lifting the company into the $3 trillion club.

TSMC: The unsung hero of AI development

When new mega-deals get announced in the AI industry, chances are, the headlines of the stories relate to which hyperscaler has decided to procure billions of dollars' worth of Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs). Big tech's capital expenditures continue to accelerate, and I think it's reasonable to say that demand for data center chips won't diminish anytime soon. While this is good news for Nvidia investors, it's even better for Taiwan Semiconductor.

The reason is simple: TSMC is already the world's largest third-party chip foundry by revenue -- holding an estimated 68% market share. In essence, chip designers like Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, Broadcom, Qualcomm, and many others outsource much of their manufacturing to Taiwan Semi's best-in-class fabrication facilities.

These dynamics are what make Taiwan Semi such a lucrative opportunity. Given the company's broad customer base, in combination with the tailwinds of rising chip demand, TSMC represents the ultimate pick-and-shovel semiconductor stock in the AI infrastructure era. 

Fuel for Taiwan Semi's next growth phase

The chart below shows Taiwan Semi's revenue and gross margin trends over the last three years. The combination of accelerating sales and improving margins speaks volumes about the level of pricing power TSMC is able to command for its foundry services.

TSM Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts.

With this type of momentum, smart investors are asking how TSMC can keep its growth train chugging along.

From a macro standpoint, AI infrastructure is expected to be a $7 trillion opportunity over the next five years -- according to a forecast from McKinsey & Company.

In addition, AI workloads continue to become more sophisticated. As applications across robotics and autonomous systems move closer to commercialization, more advanced chipsets will be required. Anecdotally, TSMC is already working closely with Tesla to bring its custom AI5 chip to life.

Furthermore, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently told investors that demand is so high for the company's various data center hardware -- particularly its new Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra chips and its next-generation Vera Rubin architecture -- that an estimated $300 billion in incremental revenue could be recognized over the next year alone.

With trillions of dollars expected to be poured into additional data center capacity, and with new chip designs coming to market, demand for Taiwan Semi's robust manufacturing expertise appears likely to be sustained for the foreseeable future.

Is Taiwan Semi stock a good buy right now?

At the moment, Taiwan Semi trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 27. While this is close to its peak levels during the AI revolution, I think it deserves that premium.

TSM PE Ratio (Forward) data by YCharts.

Over the last several months, sentiment appears to have shifted more positively toward TSMC. I think the reason is twofold. First, the geographic expansion of its foundry footprint beyond Taiwan is helping mitigate investors' fears related to geopolitical tensions with China.

Moreover, I think growth investors are beginning to better understand TSMC's critical role in the AI narrative and are bullish on the company's prospects as big tech doubles down on AI infrastructure.

While the stock isn't cheap, TSMC's upside potential is compelling. Against this backdrop, I see TSMC stock as a no-brainer pick to buy and hold over the next several years. 

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

The post Meet the supercharged artificial intelligence (AI) growth stock that could join Apple, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft in the $3 trillion club by 2027 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Quantum computing is less a machine than a mission -- a team of scouts sent to explore a landscape too complex to map by sight. Each scout sets out along a different path, testing what's possible in parallel. Together, they can sense many routes at once -- that's the genius of the approach. 

The challenge is keeping the team in contact. The radios crackle, the maps blur, and even a shift in weather can scatter their signals. These scouts -- qubits -- are astonishingly sensitive. They can explore multiple directions simultaneously, but the hardware carrying them is still too fragile for the conditions. A breath of heat or a tremor of noise can throw the expedition off course.

So instead of racing ahead, researchers spend most of their time stabilizing the mission: fixing equipment, recalibrating coordinates, and rerunning lost trails. The frontier remains open, but progress comes in slow, careful steps. That patience has defined the field -- until now. And suddenly, the rhythm changed.

A new command post

At its recent D.C. conference, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) unveiled technology that could quicken that pace. Its new hybrid system -- NVQLink and CUDA-Q -- acts like a central command post for the scouts. It doesn't ease the terrain, but it strengthens communication.

NVQLink connects quantum processors (the scouts) with today's computing systems (the analysts) at microsecond speed -- orders of magnitude faster than before. CUDA-Q, Nvidia's open-source software layer, lets researchers choreograph that link -- running AI models, quantum algorithms, and error-correction routines together as one system. That jump allows artificial intelligence to monitor the expedition in real time, learning the patterns of interference and correcting them before the team drifts apart. 

Why would Nvidia care so much about a field still years from profit? Because whoever builds the bridge first controls the traffic that follows.

It's the difference between reviewing the map after every failed trip and guiding the scouts live as they move. For researchers, that means hundreds of new iterations where there used to be one -- a genuine acceleration of discovery. It's the quiet kind of progress engineers love -- invisible, but indispensable.

Owning the bridge between today and tomorrow

Nvidia didn't build new scouts; it built the infrastructure that keeps them coordinated. Its GPUs (graphics processing units) are already tuned for the dense, parallel calculations these explorations demand, making them the natural partner for any emerging quantum processor.

And that partnership matters. Nvidia's GPUs remain the most widely used AI chips available today, refined by two decades of iteration and supported by the industry's most mature software stack. The CUDA platform gives developers fine-grained control -- the ability to tune workloads, manage memory, and orchestrate timing with precision. That precision is what gives researchers trust; each improvement in control becomes a new kind of progress. In the context of quantum research, that means any new quantum chip can be optimized alongside the fastest general-purpose GPUs on the planet.

Other companies chase better quantum hardware -- superconducting, photonic, trapped-ion -- but all of them need reliable coordination with the computing power we already have. By offering that link, Nvidia turns its GPU ecosystem into the operating environment of hybrid computing, the connective tissue between what exists now and what's coming next.

And because the system is open, every new lab or start-up that connects strengthens Nvidia's position as the default hub for quantum experimentation.

The horizon these scouts are chasing isn't abstract. It's the kind of problem today's computers stumble over -- predicting the behavior of a turbulent atmosphere before a storm forms, modeling molecules to design safer drugs, simulating new materials that could store clean energy or filter carbon from air. Each of those challenges involves trillions of interacting possibilities. Quantum systems, in theory, can explore those possibilities in parallel, finding patterns that would take current technology decades or centuries to compute. Nvidia's faster link doesn't solve those mysteries yet -- it simply means the explorers can search more of the map each day.

Strategic patience

There's also a defensive wisdom in this move. If quantum computing ever matures, it could threaten the same data center model that built Nvidia's empire. CEO Jensen Huang seems intent on making sure that, if the future shifts, Nvidia already sits at its center.

By owning the bridge between today's technology and tomorrow's, the company ensures it earns relevance -- and revenue -- no matter which computing model dominates. Quantum's maturity may still be years away. But the learning curve just steepened -- and Nvidia holds the compass.

The quiet beneficiaries

Even the best explorers need suppliers. Quantum computing's next leap won't come from a single breakthrough, but from the infrastructure that lets quantum and AI work side by side. The companies that stand to benefit first are those already essential to Nvidia's hardware stack -- firms positioned where quantum meets GPU.

TSMC: The fabrication anchor

Every Nvidia GPU and NVQLink controller originates from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Comany's (NYSE: TSM) leading-edge nodes. Hybrid systems only deepen that reliance through advanced packaging and interconnect design.

No other foundry matches TSMC's yields or scale; hybrid compute extends its dominance.

Micron: The bandwidth supplier

Hybrid workloads move immense volumes of data between GPUs and quantum controllers. Micron's (NASDAQ: MU) high-speed memory powers the data flow that keeps those systems responsive.

Micron is the only U.S.-based memory manufacturer directly supporting government-backed efforts to build the public-sector half of the hybrid-quantum ecosystem.

What today's high-speed memory does is keep the conversation alive around that fragile state -- the AI models, calibration maps, and feedback loops that tell the qubits what to do next. And as we venture further into the unknown, we'll need a great deal more of it to keep that dialogue going.

Broadcom: The interconnect enabler

Broadcom's (NASDAQ: AVGO) networking and optical interconnects provide the ultra-low-latency backbone that NVQLink depends on.

Every AI and future hybrid data center flows through Broadcom's connectivity layer; quantum integration magnifies its role.

Precision, bandwidth, and connection are the quiet trinity of hybrid progress.

ASML: The toolmaker behind precision

ASML's (NASDAQ: ASML) EUV (extreme ultraviolet) lithography powers the control electronics that tie quantum processors -- known as QPUs -- and GPUs together.

There is no replacement for EUV at advanced nodes; hybrid architectures only increase demand for ASML's tools.

For investors, these are the near-term names to watch: companies that already profit from AI infrastructure and now stand to benefit from its quantum extension.

The quiet acceleration

Quantum computing is still a long road. The terrain remains uncertain, the instruments temperamental. But with faster communication and real-time feedback, the scouts can finally move with rhythm instead of hesitation. But for once, the road feels clearly marked.

No one can yet see the full map of this new world. What's changed is how quickly it's being drawn.

And in that quiet acceleration -- not a breakthrough, but a better conversation between explorers -- Nvidia once again found the place where progress hides: in the space between discovery and control.

What this could mean for Nvidia

Nvidia's move isn't about building a quantum computer; it's about owning the bridge every quantum effort will need.

• Near term: No revenue surge, but tighter ties with national labs and deep-tech start-ups.
• Medium term: The CUDA platform becomes the training ground where AI and quantum learn to work together -- a new moat forming quietly around Nvidia's data center dominance.
• Long term: If quantum delivers on climate forecasting, drug discovery, or clean energy materials, Nvidia is positioned to sell the picks, shovels, and maps to every explorer.

In the near term, Nvidia faces no equal hybrid competitor. Long term, IBM and Microsoft are the most credible threats -- one at the hardware-software integration layer, the other at the cloud orchestration layer -- but both are still years from challenging Nvidia's lead in AI-based hybrid compute.

For investors, the takeaway is simple: Quantum remains speculative, but infrastructure usually wins first. Nvidia just made itself indispensable to a field that's still learning to stand -- and that's the kind of patience that compounds.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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From semiconductors and data centres to software and autonomous vehicles, billions are being invested into AI development. For everyday investors, exchange traded funds (ETFs) listed on the ASX provide a simple way to gain exposure to this megatrend without having to pick individual winners.

Here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering for those wanting to ride the AI wave.

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF offers exposure to the 100 largest non-financial stocks on the Nasdaq exchange. This includes some of the biggest names driving AI adoption, such as Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA).

These stocks are not only using AI to improve their businesses but are also selling the infrastructure and tools powering AI growth. For investors, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF provides diversified exposure to the global tech giants at the centre of this megatrend.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors access to the leading technology names across Asia. Its portfolio includes Tencent (SEHK: 700), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU).

In respect to the latter, Baidu has been investing heavily in AI, particularly in autonomous driving through its Apollo Go robotaxi service, which has already begun commercial operations in multiple Chinese cities. Alongside Tencent's AI-driven gaming and cloud platforms, Alibaba's cloud and commerce infrastructure, and TSM's leadership in chip manufacturing, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF has exposure to some of the most advanced and commercially active AI projects outside the United States.

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

Finally, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF is arguably the most direct way to invest in AI on the ASX. The fund holds a portfolio of stocks at the cutting edge of robotics, automation, and AI software. This includes Nvidia, Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB (SWX: ABBN).

AI is set to reshape industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and finance. By combining exposure to robotics hardware and AI software, the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides a diversified play on two of the most exciting and disruptive technologies of the next decade. This fund was recently recommended by the team at Betashares.

The post 3 ASX ETFs to invest in the AI boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

But if you're not sure which shares to buy, don't worry!

That's because there are plenty of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) out there for investors to choose from.

They give you instant diversification, exposure to global themes, and an easier way to build a long-term portfolio without trying to pick winners and losers.

With that in mind, here are five top ASX ETFs worth considering in October:

Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

For growth-focused investors, the Betashares Nasdaq 100 ETF is often the first stop they will make. And it isn't hard to see why. This ASX ETF tracks the Nasdaq 100 index, home to tech giants such as Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA). These are the stocks leading the charge in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital advertising. While the ride can be volatile, the long-term returns from the Nasdaq have been outstanding.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF is another top option to consider in October. It provides exposure to the next generation of technology leaders across Asia. Think of names like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE: TSM), Samsung Electronics, and Alibaba (NYSE: BABA). These are companies at the forefront of semiconductors, ecommerce, and cloud infrastructure. With Asia's middle class expanding rapidly, demand for digital services is only expected to grow, giving this ASX ETF significant long-term potential.

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF takes a different approach to the others. It invests in US companies that have durable competitive advantages and fair valuations. Its holdings change periodically but currently include Nike (NYSE: NKE), Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP). The fund has a track record of outperforming broader US markets over time, making it a compelling buy-and-hold option.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity is quickly becoming a necessity for businesses. That makes the Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF one of the most relevant ASX ETFs for the next decade. Its portfolio includes global leaders like CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks Inc (NASDAQ: PANW), and Cisco Systems Inc (NASDAQ: CSCO). As threats escalate and spending on cybersecurity grows, this ETF could benefit from structural demand that doesn't depend on the economic cycle.

Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS)

For investors looking for core global exposure, the Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF could be a standout pick in October. It provides access to more than 1,200 international stocks across the US, Europe, and Asia. Holdings include names such as Nestle (SWX: NESN), Toyota Motor Corp (TYO: 7203), and Roche Holding AG (SWX: ROG). With broad diversification and Vanguard's low-cost structure, this fund is a simple yet powerful way to capture long-term market growth.

The post 5 top ASX ETFs to buy in October appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Since 2022, it has fuelled the S&P 500 Index (SP: .INX) to record high after record high. 

So just how much money are companies and governments pouring into AI?

Earlier this month, OpenAI, (the company behind Chat GPT) signed one of the largest cloud contracts in history with Oracle – $300 billion worth of computing power spread across roughly five years.

Frank Holmes, CEO and chief investment officer of U.S. Global Investors Inc (NASDAQ: GROW), said earlier this week on the rise of AI: 

Last month, Intel made a historic deal with the Trump administration. The government announced it would take an $8.9 billion equity stake in Intel, in addition to billions in CHIPS Act grants. (And just this week, Nvidia said it would be investing $5 billion in the struggling tech firm.)

I believe the message is loud and clear: Semiconductors are strategic assets like oil and critical metals, and Washington is willing to invest taxpayer money to support them.

But let's take a step back. 

What are semiconductors?

A semiconductor is a special type of material that can control electricity – sometimes it lets electricity flow, sometimes it blocks it.

Because of this property, semiconductors are the building blocks of modern electronics. They're used to make microchips, which power everything from your phone to cars to medical devices.

Think of semiconductors as the "brains and nerves" inside electronic devices.

Why are they so vital for artificial intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) relies on massive amounts of data processing. To run AI models, you need chips that can handle:

• High-speed calculations (processing billions of pieces of information per second).
• Parallel processing (doing many tasks at once).
• Energy efficiency (since AI uses huge amounts of power).

Training and running AI models requires huge numbers of chips and tech giants (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, TSMC, etc.) are racing to supply them.

Additionally, countries see semiconductors as a strategic resource (like oil in the past). There's heavy investment in domestic chip production. The next breakthroughs in AI depend on smaller, faster, more efficient chips. Whoever leads in semiconductor innovation will likely lead in AI.

If data is the new oil, semiconductors are the mines and refineries that turn it into usable energy for AI.

According to Global X, sector revenue is expected to expand by 38% over 2025-26, supported by hyperscaler investment and the diffusion of AI workloads into various industries.

How do investors gain exposure?

Like any investment theme, you can choose individual companies engaged in this field. 

You could consider investing in blue-chip stocks like:

• Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA)
• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM)
• ASML (NASDAQ: ASML)

Another option to gain more diversified exposure is to invest in an ASX ETF that tracks this sector. 

One that has brought strong returns in the past year is Global X Semiconductor ETF (ASX: SEMI). 

The fund focuses on companies that stand to potentially benefit from the broader adoption of tech-enabled devices that require semiconductors. This includes the development and manufacturing of semiconductors.

At the time of writing it has 30 holdings in this sector. 

The post What in the world is a semiconductor and why is it the backbone of artificial intelligence? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the simplest ways to build wealth, offering instant diversification and exposure to powerful long-term themes.

Here are three fantastic ASX ETFs that could be worth considering in September.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The technology boom isn't just happening in Silicon Valley. Across Asia, some of the world's most innovative companies are leading the charge in semiconductors, e-commerce, and digital services.

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides investors with easy exposure to these giants, including Tencent (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE: TSM), Alibaba (NYSE: BABA), and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD).

With billions of consumers becoming increasingly connected and mobile-first, Asia's digital transformation is only getting started. The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives Australian investors a direct way to capture this growth story.

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

For investors seeking a higher-risk, higher-reward opportunity, the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF could be one to consider in September.

It offers exposure to the companies driving adoption of digital assets and blockchain technology. Its holdings include global leaders like Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), and crypto mining firms that are central to the ecosystem.

While volatile, the crypto sector has shown its ability to bounce back from downturns. With growing institutional adoption and blockchain use cases expanding, the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF provides a convenient way to gain diversified exposure to this emerging theme through the ASX.

Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)

Finally, thr Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF is designed as an all-in-one growth portfolio.

It holds a globally diversified mix of low-cost index funds covering Australian, U.S., European, Asian, and emerging market shares. That means with just one trade, investors get exposure to thousands of companies worldwide — from Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) to Toyota (TYO: 7203).

For those looking to build wealth through compounding, the Betashares Diversified All Growth ETF is a simple, no-fuss way to gain long-term exposure to global equities without having to pick and manage multiple funds. It was recently named as one to consider by Betashares.

Foolish takeaway

Whether it is the explosive growth potential of Asian tech, the emerging world of cryptocurrencies, or a simple globally diversified growth portfolio, these three ETFs offer something for every investor. Held for the long term, they could provide a strong foundation for compounding wealth well beyond September.

The post 3 fantastic ASX ETFs to buy in September appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Some ETFs focus on regular indices, whereas others focus on themes with the potential to deliver outsized returns.

Today we are going to look at the latter and three explosive ASX ETFs in particular that could reward patient investors over the coming decade and beyond. They are named below:

Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF offers exposure to the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology — without having to directly buy and store digital assets yourself. It invests in global companies building the infrastructure and services that support crypto adoption.

Holdings include Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), one of the world's leading crypto exchanges, and Galaxy Digital (TSX: GLXY), which is an investment firm focused on digital assets.

While crypto markets can be extremely volatile, the underlying blockchain technology has a wide range of potential applications, from decentralised finance to supply chain management. For investors who believe in the long-term growth of this space, the Betashares Crypto Innovators ETF offers an easy way to gain diversified exposure.

Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing areas of technology, as businesses and governments increase spending to protect critical systems from cyberattacks.

The Betashares Global Cybersecurity ETF invests in leading cybersecurity companies like CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), and Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT). These businesses provide software, hardware, and services that safeguard data and defend against evolving threats.

With cyberattacks on the rise and the shift to cloud computing and remote work increasing the need for digital protection, the companies in this fund look set to benefit greatly.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Finally, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF targets some of the most dynamic technology companies across Asia (excluding Japan).

This allows investors to tap into a region experiencing rapid digital adoption and a growing middle class.

The fund's top holdings include TSMC (NYSE: TSM), which is the world's largest semiconductor manufacturer; Meituan (SEHK: 3690), a major player in food delivery and local services; and PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), one of China's fastest-growing e-commerce platforms and the owner of Temu.

With Asia expected to lead global economic growth in the coming decades, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF gives investors exposure to technology leaders at the heart of that transformation.

The post 3 explosive ASX ETFs to buy for big potential returns this decade and beyond appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

You might wonder whether you're too late, whether you need a finance degree, or whether your savings will ever amount to anything.

The good news? You don't need a huge lump sum to build wealth on the Australian share market.

With a steady $1,000 a month and a long-term mindset, you can build a substantial portfolio over time with ASX shares — even if you're starting from zero.

Let's take a look at how.

Why $1,000 a month works

Investing $1,000 a month into ASX shares might not sound like it could change your life, but the magic lies in consistency and compounding. Over time, your returns begin to earn returns — and that's when growth can really snowball.

For example, if you were to invest $1,000 each month into ASX shares with an average annual return of 10% (not guaranteed), you would end up with around $200,000 after 10 years. Stretch that timeline to 20 years, and you're looking at more than $720,000.

The earlier you start, the more time you give compounding to work in your favour.

Where should beginners invest?

For beginners, the easiest way to get started is arguably through ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These are low-cost investment vehicles that give you instant diversification by pooling your money with other investors.

Here's how a simple three-part ETF strategy might look:

Domestic core exposure:

The Vanguard Australian Shares Index ETF (ASX: VAS) gives you broad access to the top 300 companies listed on the ASX. This includes names like BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA).

Global growth:

The iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV) tracks 500 of the biggest companies in the US. This includes Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Coca-Cola Co (NYSE: KO). It's an easy way to tap into global innovation and leadership.

High-potential themes:

The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA) gives you exposure to Asia's tech giants such as Taiwan Semiconductor and Tencent Holdings. This adds a powerful growth angle to your portfolio.

By splitting your $1,000 monthly contribution across these three ETFs — or similar alternatives — you can build a diversified portfolio that taps into local stability, global scale, and high-growth opportunity.

Be disciplined and consistent

If you can be disciplined and invest $1,000 each month, you'll stand to benefit greatly. That's because this takes the emotion out of the process and helps you stick to the plan even during market volatility.

You will also benefit from dollar-cost averaging, which means you buy more shares when prices are low and fewer when prices are high — smoothing out your cost over time.

Foolish takeaway

The most powerful asset in investing isn't money — it's time. By starting now, sticking with it, and investing in diversified ASX ETFs, you give yourself the chance to build a portfolio that can grow meaningfully over the years.

The post The $1,000-a-month ASX share investing plan for beginners appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Technology stocks have been the driving force in the market for more than the past decade, and with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), that should continue well into the future. Let's look at five leading tech stocks to buy right now.

1. Nvidia

When it come to AI, Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has been the biggest beneficiary thus far, and it should continue to be a big winner in the space. Its graphics processing units (GPUs) are the backbone of AI infrastructure due to their fast processing speeds, and are the chips that power AI workloads.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »

Nvidia's wide moat, however, comes from its CUDA software platform. It originally created the platform as a way to expand the market for its GPUs beyond video games, where its chips are used to speed up graphics rendering. Early on, it pushed the software to universities and research labs, where it became the software that developers learned to program GPUs. It later built tools and libraries on top of CUDA to improve the performance of its chips in AI.

The company's dominance was on display in the first quarter, when it captured a 92% market share in the GPU space. Nvidia continues to be one of the best ways to play the AI infrastructure boom.

2. Amazon

While Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) is best known as the world's largest e-commerce company, that's not its largest business by profitability. That distinction falls to its cloud computing segment Amazon Web Services (AWS). The company created the cloud and infrastructure-as-a-service model after its struggles ramping up its own data center, and it remains the market share leader today.

However, what's most impressive with AWS are its inner workings. Through its Annapurna Labs subsidiary, the company developed its own custom AI chips that give it a cost advantage.

It's Bedrock and SageMaker platforms help users customize, build, and run AI models on its infrastructure. This is leading to robust growth for AWS, and the company is investing aggressively to help keep up with demand.

On the e-commerce side of its business, Amazon is using AI to drive efficiencies and lower costs in its logistics and warehouse operations. This is helping increase margins and boost profitability. Given its opportunities, Amazon looks like a strong buy at current levels.

3. Meta Platforms

The social media and messaging company Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) is using AI to drive strong revenue growth. It developed its own proprietary Llama model, which it is using to boost user engagement on its social media platforms. This, in turn, is leading to more ad inventory.

It also developed AI tools that let advertisers create better campaigns and improve targeting, which is resulting in more effective ads and higher prices for them. These dynamics could be seen last quarter, when ad revenue rose 16% on the back of a 5% increase in ad impressions and a 10% jump in average price per ad.

What is most exciting about the Meta story, though, are two emerging opportunities. It just started serving ads on its popular WhatsApp messaging app, which has 3 billion monthly users. In addition, it is building out a new social media platform, Threads, on which it is also just beginning to display ads. Together, this is a huge monetization opportunity for the company.

4. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE: TSM) is the No. 1 semiconductor contract manufacturer in the world. Today, most leading chip companies, like Nvidia, just design chips and hire out companies like TSMC to make them.

In order for a foundry to be profitable, it needs technological expertise, high utilization rates at its factories, and large scale. As rivals struggled with this, TSMC has become the go-to maker of advanced chips and a vital partner to leading AI chipmakers. This has also allowed it to raise prices, which is expanding its gross margins.

Today, TSMC works closely with leading AI chipmakers to expand capacity to meet rising demand. As AI infrastructure spending continues to grow, the company is set to be a strong long-term winner.

5. Netflix

The video streamer Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) has a big opportunity as it turns to advertising. Today, Netflix generates most of its revenue from subscriptions, but its lower-priced ad-supported tiers are beginning to see strong momentum. And it added more live programs, such as WWE Monday Night Raw, which also show advertising.

On the back end, the company introduced its adtech platform in the U.S. and Canada earlier this year, with plans to expand it to 10 more markets by year-end. It's also rolling out new targeting and measurement tools, with plans to layer in machine-learning ad optimization and new ad formats over time.

Revenue from advertising is expected to double this year, but the bigger story is the foundation it's building for even more growth in 2026 and beyond.

Ad sales should become a much larger part of Netflix's revenue stream in the years ahead as it builds out its ad-supported tiers. That should bode well for its stock.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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Over the last several weeks, technology companies have reported earnings for the fourth quarter and full calendar year for 2024. Among the biggest influencers in artificial intelligence (AI) are the "Magnificent Seven" companies: Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Amazon, Alphabet, Tesla, and Apple.

Within this cohort, Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet are forecast to spend nearly a quarter-trillion dollars on AI infrastructure just this year. While that's quite a hefty price tag, I don't find this spending out of the ordinary. Over the last few years, each of these tech titans have plowed billions into leading AI start-ups including OpenAI and Anthropic, as well as invested significant capital into data centers and custom chipware.

One member of the Magnificent Seven that has been suspiciously quiet throughout the AI revolution is Apple. Well, that just changed. The iPhone maker recently announced that it plans to invest $500 billion over the next four years -- allocated across areas including manufacturing, silicon engineering, and AI.

Below, I'll assess the details of Apple's massive AI initiative and make the case for why investors in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM) should be particularly excited.

Apple's $500 billion infrastructure investment

There are multiple components to Apple's $500 billion commitment to U.S. infrastructure.

As part of the initiative, Apple will be constructing a manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas to house servers. The primary reason to build this server unit is to further support infrastructure around Apple Intelligence -- the company's AI system equipped with features from ChatGPT.

Another component of Apple's plan includes bolstering manufacturing spend for advanced silicon, specifically in Arizona. This is where TSMC investors might want to pay attention.

How does Apple's investment benefit TSMC?

Over the last several years, TSMC has built advanced fabrication facilities in Phoenix, AZ as part of a $65 billion AI chip initiative. According to Apple, the company is the largest customer of TSMC's Fab 21 plant in Phoenix.

Just days after Apple announced its plans to invest $500 billion into the U.S., TSMC announced a $100 billion project of its own -- whereby the company plans to build new fabrication and packaging facilities.

Given Apple is already an important customer of TSMC (to say the least), I'm encouraged by both companies' commitments to bolster their infrastructure in the U.S. I see Apple's ambitions in manufacturing and silicon engineering as an important step in the company's ongoing efforts to compete in an intense AI realm. Moreover, I think TSMC's interest in expanding its U.S. footprint should bode well for the company's future growth prospects -- particularly from leading U.S. AI players such as Apple.

Is TSMC stock a buy right now?

As of this writing (March 14), shares of TSMC have fallen by about 12% this year -- underperforming both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. I think that the declines seen in TSMC stock are primarily a result of more macro trends.

What I mean by that is over the last couple of weeks the capital markets have seen abnormal levels of volatility, thanks in large part to uncertainties surrounding President Trump's tariff policies. As a result, technology stocks -- which have largely been carrying lofty valuations for the last two years -- have started to see some oversized selling activity, and I think TSMC has simply been dragged into this dynamic.

TSM PE Ratio (Forward) data by YCharts

I think the ongoing selling is a prime opportunity to buy the dip in TSMC stock right now. As the chart above illustrates, the sell-off in TSMC has led to significant contraction in valuation. Right now, shares of TSMC trade at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 19.1 -- nearly the lowest level in a year.

The way I see it, the sell-off in TSMC stock is not correlated to any fundamental changes in the company's operation. In fact, recent results published by the company indicate that demand trends remain incredibly robust. I think this is a rare instance in which a growth stock is experiencing a prolonged period of cooling off despite a lucrative combination of strong current growth and an encouraging long-term outlook.

I would not be surprised to see TSMC's sales and profit growth climb even higher as Apple's infrastructure investments begin to take shape. What's even better is that Apple's $500 billion investment is a four-year-long project, meaning TSMC should be in a position to witness consistent demand for one of the world's largest AI players.

In my eyes, TSMC is trading at a bargain price point and remains a compelling long-term opportunity for AI investors.

This article was originally published on Fool.com. All figures quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated.

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