The smartest ASX ETFs to build wealth in the new year

A new year often brings a renewed focus on finances. For many investors, that means asking a simple but important question: how can I grow my wealth with minimal effort?

This is where exchange-traded funds (ETFs) really shine.

Instead of researching and trying to pick individual winners, ETFs allow investors to gain diversified exposure to entire markets or powerful long-term themes in a single trade.

For those looking to build wealth steadily in the year ahead and beyond, here are three ASX ETFs that stand out.

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

The BetaShares S&P/ASX Australian Technology ETF could be worth considering for 2026 and beyond. Rather than relying on traditional banks or miners, this ETF focuses on ASX stocks driving digital transformation.

Its holdings include tech stocks such as WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC), Xero Ltd (ASX: XRO), and TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE). These companies operate globally and generate a significant portion of their revenue offshore, giving investors exposure to international growth through Australian-listed stocks.

It has been a tough year for the Australian tech sector, which means investors are able to buy this fund at a deep discount to recent highs. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF (ASX: HACK)

Cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable part of the modern digital economy. Governments, corporations, and consumers all rely on secure networks, and spending in this area continues to rise regardless of economic conditions.

The BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF provides exposure to a global portfolio of stocks that are at the forefront of cybersecurity. Its holdings include names like Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), Infosys (NYSE: INFY), and Cloudflare (NYSE: NET).

Rather than betting on a single cybersecurity winner, this ETF spreads risk across the sector. This makes it a practical way to tap into a structural growth trend that is likely to persist for decades.

BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF (ASX: DHHF)

For investors who want a true set-and-forget option, the BetaShares Diversified All Growth ETF is hard to ignore. This ASX ETF provides exposure to thousands of stocks across Australian and global share markets in one simple investment.

This fund holds a mix of Australian shares, global developed market shares, and emerging markets, with no exposure to defensive assets like bonds. This makes it suitable for investors with a long time horizon who are focused purely on growth.

Its diversified structure helps reduce the risk of relying too heavily on any one region or sector, while still capturing long-term equity market returns. It was also recently recommended by Betashares.

The post The smartest ASX ETFs to build wealth in the new year appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

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• 3 stellar ASX ETFs for growth investors to buy in 2026
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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended BetaShares Global Cybersecurity ETF, Cloudflare, Technology One, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended Palo Alto Networks. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended WiseTech Global and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Technology One. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.