Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Best ETFs for AI Infrastructure in 2026
Ruby Layram
11th May 2026
Artificial intelligence might be the biggest investment trend of the decade.
But here’s the interesting thing most investors are only just starting to realise- the real money may not be in AI apps themselves, but in the infrastructure powering them.
Because every AI model, chatbot, data centre and machine-learning platform relies on an enormous amount of infrastructure behind the scenes.
We’re talking about:
- Semiconductors
- Data centres
- Cloud computing
- Networking equipment
- AI chips
- Power infrastructure
- Cybersecurity systems
And demand is exploding.
That’s why many investors now believe AI infrastructure could become one of the smartest long-term investment themes of the 2020s.
The good news?
You don’t need to try and pick individual winners.
Instead, many investors are turning to AI infrastructure ETFs, giving exposure to entire baskets of companies benefiting from the AI boom.
So, if you’re searching for the best ETFs for AI infrastructure in May 2026, here are five of the strongest options worth watching right now.
Why AI Infrastructure Could Be One of the Smartest Investments in 2026
When most people think about AI investing, they immediately think of:
- ChatGPT
- AI chatbots
- Software companies
But AI infrastructure is what makes all of this possible.
And right now, major tech firms are spending hundreds of billions on expanding AI capacity.
Companies like:
- Nvidia
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Meta
- Alphabet
…are investing aggressively in:
- AI chips
- Massive data centres
- Cloud infrastructure
- Energy-intensive computing systems
This creates huge opportunities for the companies supplying the “picks and shovels” of the AI revolution.
In many ways, AI infrastructure investing is similar to investing in the roads, electricity and machinery during an industrial revolution.
1. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ)
This is one of the most popular AI-focused ETFs globally.
It provides exposure to companies involved in:
- AI development
- Big data
- Cloud computing
- Semiconductor technology
- Machine learning
Top holdings often include companies like:
- Nvidia
- Microsoft
- Broadcom
- ServiceNow
Why it stands out in 2026:
- Broad exposure across the AI ecosystem
- Strong semiconductor allocation
- Good balance between infrastructure and software
For investors wanting a diversified “core AI ETF,” this is one of the strongest starting points.
Your money is at risk.
2. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH)
If AI continues growing rapidly, semiconductors will remain absolutely critical.
And this ETF focuses directly on the companies building the chips powering AI systems.
Key holdings often include:
- Nvidia
- TSMC
- ASML
- AMD
- Broadcom
Why semiconductor ETFs are booming:
- AI models require enormous computing power
- Demand for advanced chips continues surging
- Governments are prioritising semiconductor production globally
In many ways, chips are becoming the oil of the AI economy.
And few ETFs provide cleaner exposure to that trend than SMH.
Your money is at risk.
3. First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY)
AI cannot function without cloud infrastructure.
That’s where this ETF becomes interesting.
It focuses on companies involved in:
- Cloud platforms
- Data infrastructure
- Enterprise computing
- Digital storage systems
Cloud computing demand is accelerating because AI workloads require massive processing and storage capacity.
Why this ETF looks attractive in 2026:
- AI and cloud computing are becoming deeply interconnected
- Companies continue shifting operations online
- Enterprise AI adoption is still early
This ETF gives exposure to the digital backbone of modern AI systems.
Your money is at risk.
4. Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF (DTCR)
Data centres are becoming one of the hottest investment themes in the market.
Why?
Because AI models consume enormous amounts of:
- Electricity
- Processing power
- Cooling systems
- Server capacity
This ETF focuses on companies linked to:
- Data centres
- Digital infrastructure
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- AI connectivity networks
Why investors are paying attention:
- AI demand is driving a data-centre building boom
- Tech firms are racing to secure computing capacity
- Infrastructure shortages could create long-term growth opportunities
This is one of the most direct ways to invest in the physical infrastructure behind AI growth.
Your money is at risk.
5. iShares Automation & Robotics ETF (RBOT)
AI isn’t just about chatbots.
It’s increasingly being integrated into:
- Manufacturing
- Warehousing
- Logistics
- Robotics
- Industrial automation
This ETF gives exposure to companies building:
- Smart machines
- Robotics systems
- Industrial AI technologies
Why it’s compelling:
- Automation demand continues growing globally
- Labour shortages are accelerating adoption
- AI-powered robotics could reshape industries over the next decade
This ETF adds another dimension to AI infrastructure investing beyond just semiconductors and cloud computing.
Your money is at risk.
Are AI Infrastructure ETFs Risky?
Yes, and it’s important to understand that.
AI infrastructure ETFs can be:
- Volatile
- Growth-heavy
- Sensitive to market sentiment
Many AI stocks have already surged significantly in recent years.
That means:
- Short-term pullbacks are very possible
- Valuations in some areas are high
- Expectations are enormous
However, long-term investors believe the overall AI trend could still be in the early stages.
How I’d Approach AI Infrastructure Investing in 2026
Personally, I wouldn’t build an entire portfolio around AI infrastructure alone.
Instead, I’d probably use these ETFs as a growth-focused part of a broader diversified portfolio.
For example:
- Core global ETF portfolio
- Smaller allocation to AI infrastructure ETFs
That way you still benefit from broader diversification while gaining exposure to one of the most exciting investment themes in the market.
Final Thoughts
If AI truly transforms the global economy over the next decade, infrastructure could end up being one of the biggest winners.
Because regardless of which AI software companies succeed, the entire industry still needs chips, data centres, cloud systems and computing power.
That’s why many investors now see AI infrastructure as one of the smartest long-term themes in 2026.
And for investors looking for diversified exposure, ETFs remain one of the easiest ways to access that opportunity without needing to pick individual stocks.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investments can fall as well as rise in value, and you may get back less than you invest. Always do your own research before investing.
If you investt for 1 week, than stock market is not for you my friend
Those ETFs are all significantly down today