2 brilliant ETFs to buy in 2026 that tap once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunities

Every so often, investors are given the chance to position themselves in front of structural changes that reshape the global economy for decades.

These aren't short-term fads or cyclical rebounds. They are once-in-a-generation shifts driven by technology, demographics, and productivity gains.

For investors looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be one of the smartest ways to capture these opportunities without needing to pick individual winners.

Two ASX ETFs that stand out for their exposure to transformational trends that are still in their early stages are listed below. Here's what you need to know about them:

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

The rise of Asia's technology champions is one of the most powerful investment stories of this century, and it is far from over. The Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF provides exposure to many of the region's most influential and innovative companies, spanning China, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Key holdings include Tencent Holdings (SEHK: 700), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE: TSM), PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD), SK Hynix, and Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA). These businesses sit at the heart of digital payments, social media, cloud computing, e-commerce, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

What makes this opportunity particularly compelling is its scale. Asia is home to billions of consumers, rapidly growing middle classes, and some of the world's most advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

While the region's share markets can be volatile in the short term, long-term growth drivers such as artificial intelligence adoption, digitisation, and rising consumer spending remain firmly intact. For investors with patience, the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF offers a way to tap into technological growth that rivals that of the United States. Betashares recently recommended the fund to investors.

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

If there is one theme that could redefine how the global economy functions, it is artificial intelligence and automation. The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF provides investors with diversified exposure to stocks that are building the hardware, software, and systems powering this transformation.

Its portfolio includes leaders such as Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ: NVDA), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), and ABB Ltd (SWX: ABBN). These companies are central to everything from AI computing infrastructure and robotic surgery to industrial automation and smart factories.

The opportunity here is not limited to one industry. Robotics and AI are being embedded across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, defence, and consumer technology. As labour shortages intensify and productivity becomes increasingly critical, automation is shifting from optional to essential.

The Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF gives investors exposure to this trend at a global level, capturing innovation wherever it emerges. It was also recently recommended  by the fund manager.

The post 2 brilliant ETFs to buy in 2026 that tap once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunities appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital - Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Abb, Intuitive Surgical, Nvidia, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Tencent. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Alibaba Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026