AI ETFs Are Surging: The Funds Investors Are Buying in 2025

Artificial intelligence has shifted from buzzword to bottom line. Enterprise adoption is accelerating, infrastructure spending has crossed $300 billion this year, and companies like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Broadcom are reporting record revenues directly tied to AI demand.

For investors, the challenge isn’t spotting the trend — it’s finding a way to gain exposure without gambling on a single stock. That’s where AI-focused ETFs come in. These funds have seen a resurgence in 2025, with assets under management swelling and performance outpacing broader market indices.

Below, we highlight the most widely cited and best-performing AI ETFs today, based on coverage from U.S. News, Bankrate, NerdWallet, Kiplinger, ETF Database, and others.

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)

• 1-Year Return: ~22.8% (as of June 2025)

• AUM: ~$4.4 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.68%AIQ has become the default choice for broad AI exposure. With diversified holdings across software, hardware, and cloud infrastructure, it has been featured repeatedly in analyst reviews and mainstream media.

iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY)

• 1-Year Return: ~23.3%

• AUM: ~$1.3 billion

• Expense Ratio: 0.47%A lower-cost rival to AIQ, ARTY provides coverage across the AI value chain, from semiconductors to enterprise software. Its diversified construction and cost efficiency have earned praise from Kiplinger and Bankrate.

Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ)

BOTZ leans heavily toward robotics companies, but the overlap with AI adoption is significant. Frequently recommended in MoneyWeek and U.S. News, it remains a top choice for those seeking exposure to automation alongside AI.

ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ)

• 1-Year Return: ~88%Cathie Wood’s actively managed ARKQ has outpaced nearly all peers over the past year, driven by its high-conviction bets on disruptive AI and robotics firms. The trade-off: higher volatility.

VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)

• 1-Year Return: ~33.4%

• AUM: ~$26.8 billionSemiconductors remain the backbone of AI, and SMH offers concentrated exposure to chipmakers such as Nvidia, TSMC, and AMD. Its performance has tracked closely with the AI hardware boom, making it one of the strongest performers in 2025.

WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence UCITS ETF (Europe)

A leading option for European investors, WisdomTree’s UCITS AI ETF has posted moderate returns of ~17% over the past year while maintaining a competitive fee structure.

Allianz Global Artificial Intelligence Fund

Though not an ETF, Allianz’s $6.3 billion AI-themed mutual fund is the largest of its kind in Europe. Its top holdings — Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia — ensure direct exposure to AI leaders.

Why Investors Care

The performance of these funds isn’t speculative. Nvidia’s data center revenue alone surged 73% year over year, Microsoft’s Azure AI business continues to accelerate, and AI infrastructure spending is projected to double again by 2027.

For investors, the message is clear: rather than trading AI stocks or speculating on CFDs, diversified ETFs offer a structured way to participate in the AI boom while reducing single-stock risk.

Where to Invest

For long-term retail investors:

• ETFs like AIQ, ARTY, BOTZ, and SMH can be accessed directly via platforms such as eToro (low-cost, fractional shares, global access).

• European investors can turn to WisdomTree UCITS or the Allianz AI Fund.

CFD trading, while tempting for speculation, carries far greater risk — most retail accounts lose money. If your goal is to build wealth steadily, invest in ETFs, don’t trade on leverage.

Bottom Line

AI is no longer a promise; it’s a revenue engine. The companies building its infrastructure are reporting record growth, and the ETFs tracking them are delivering outsized returns.

For investors looking to position themselves in the next decade of growth, AI ETFs are proving to be one of the most compelling long-term plays available in 2025.