Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs for 2026

If you are planning to put $10,000 to work in the share market ahead of 2026, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain one of the smartest and most convenient ways to build long-term wealth.

They offer instant diversification and exposure to sectors and themes that would otherwise be difficult to access with just a handful of individual shares.

Three ETFs that could be top picks for investors preparing their portfolio for the next decade and beyond are listed below. Here's why they could be excellent options for a $10,000 investment today.

BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF (ASX: CRYP)

The first ASX ETF that could be a great long term option for investors with a high tolerance for risk is the BetaShares Crypto Innovators ETF.

It gives investors exposure to global stocks that are at the forefront of the digital asset ecosystem. This includes crypto exchanges, mining businesses, blockchain infrastructure providers, and companies enabling real-world applications for decentralised technology.

Some of the ETF's major holdings include Coinbase Global (NASDAQ: COIN), MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT). These are businesses whose earnings can scale rapidly if crypto adoption continues to accelerate or if blockchain technology becomes further embedded in banking, gaming, supply chains, and cloud computing.

BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF (ASX: NDQ)

The BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF is another ASX ETF that could be a good destination for a $10,000 investment.

This fund continues to be one of the most popular ways for Australians to tap into the world's most innovative stocks. While the Magnificent 7, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA), dominate headlines, this ASX ETF also provides meaningful exposure to dozens of other high-quality businesses that are often overlooked.

For example, other large holdings include Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST), Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP). These companies offer durable earnings, strong competitive advantages, and proven long-term growth records, adding balance to the BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF beyond its mega-cap tech exposure.

BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY)

Finally, the BetaShares Global Quality Leaders ETF is focused on stocks with exceptional balance sheets, superior profitability, and consistent earnings growth. This is a classic quality factor strategy, which has historically outperformed broader markets over long periods.

The ETF's holdings are concentrated in world-class businesses such as payments giant Visa (NYSE: V), luxury goods retailer Hermes (FRA: HMI), and photolithography machines manufacturer ASML Holding (NASDAQ: ASML).

In uncertain economic environments, quality stocks have tended to be more resilient. For investors seeking a smoother journey, this fund could be a compelling addition. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares

The post Where to invest $10,000 in ASX ETFs for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended ASML, Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF, Costco Wholesale, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Starbucks, Tesla, and Visa. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Coinbase Global and has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Nasdaq 100 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended ASML, Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, Starbucks, and Visa. 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. 2025