Three AI ETFs Worth Watching: A 30-Year Growth Perspective

The artificial intelligence sector has emerged as the dominant force in equity markets over the past three years, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing. Rather than attempting to pick individual AI winners, many investors are turning to AI ETF solutions that provide diversified exposure to the entire AI ecosystem. With disciplined monthly investing of $1,000 in each of three well-constructed AI ETFs, an investor could realistically accumulate $15 million over 30 years—a scenario requiring roughly 15% annual returns, entirely feasible for this high-growth category.

Understanding Roundhill’s Generative AI ETF (CHAT)

The Roundhill Generative AI ETF focuses specifically on companies building generative AI tools and platforms. Its portfolio includes major players like Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon among its generative AI holdings. What distinguishes this actively managed fund is its inclusion of AI infrastructure components—companies such as Nvidia, SK Hynix, Samsung, AMD, and Broadcom that supply the foundational hardware for AI systems.

Currently holding approximately 40 stocks with about 65% positioned in U.S. companies (predominantly large-cap), this AI ETF demonstrated impressive performance in 2025 with a near 50% gain. The fund’s structure acknowledges that AI adoption requires both the software platforms creating intelligent solutions and the semiconductors enabling those solutions to function at scale.

Global X’s International AI Exposure Through AIQ

The Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF takes a broader geographic approach, allocating roughly 35% of its portfolio to international holdings. This global positioning grants exposure to companies like Samsung, which has benefited enormously from surging demand for high-bandwidth memory chips—critical components in AI infrastructure where supply constraints have driven pricing higher.

The fund’s investment thesis spans the entire AI value chain, from cloud computing infrastructure to enterprise software. This diversified AI ETF approach generated a 32% return in 2025, while its three-year annualized performance reached 36.4%—substantially outpacing traditional market averages and demonstrating the sector’s growth trajectory.

Invesco’s Software-Hardware Blend: IGPT Under the Microscope

The Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF represents a longer-established approach to technology investing, having transitioned its focus over time. Currently tracking the STOXX World AC NexGen Software Development Index, it maintains a portfolio of approximately 100 holdings across hardware, software, and automation-focused businesses.

Notably, this AI ETF positions Micron Technology—another memory chip manufacturer benefiting from HBM demand—as its largest holding. With nearly 84% of assets in U.S. equities, the fund carries stronger domestic orientation than its peers. The 2025 performance delivered 31.7% returns, while its 10-year track record shows a 16.4% annualized return, with the past three years averaging 25.2% annually.

Comparing Your AI ETF Options

Each of these three AI ETFs presents distinct characteristics suited to different investor preferences. The Roundhill option emphasizes generative AI leaders balanced with chip manufacturers. The Global X fund provides international diversification, particularly valuable for capturing semiconductor supply-chain benefits. The Invesco offering maintains the broadest scope, blending legacy software trends with emerging AI capabilities.

The power of consistent dollar-cost averaging into these AI ETF vehicles lies in reducing the impact of market volatility while accumulating shares during periods of weakness. Over a 30-year horizon, disciplined monthly contributions compound dramatically—turning modest systematic investment into substantial long-term wealth accumulation. Success requires choosing funds aligned with your risk tolerance and geographic exposure preferences, then maintaining commitment through market cycles.