Top 10 ETF Picks for AI and Tech Growth in October 2025: Best Picks for Diversification (Ranked)

Here are the top 10 ETF picks for AI and tech growth in October 2025, along with insights on whether they are worth considering for investment at this time. The ranking prioritizes growth (high 1-year and YTD returns), safety (lower beta and volatility for reduced risk), and diversification (higher number of holdings and broader sector exposure beyond pure tech/semiconductors). These ETFs were selected from popular recommendations in recent analyses. Pure AI-focused funds like ARKQ and CHAT score high on growth but lower on diversification due to concentrated holdings. Broader tech ETFs like VGT and QQQ offer better balance for safety and diversification.

This guide focuses on AI's boom in semiconductors, robotics, and quantum computing, recommending a mix of high-growth (e.g., ARKQ) and diversified (e.g., VGT) picks for balanced portfolios amid market volatility.Valuations use premium/discount to NAV (>0.5% overvalued, <-0.5% undervalued) from recent data; small premiums indicate fair value in liquid ETFs. Underlying tech holdings show stretched multiples (avg P/E ~35x vs. historical 25x), but AI momentum supports growth. Recommendations consider this: Buy for undervalued/fair with tailwinds, Hold for overvalued short-term, Sell rare. Confidence based on consensus; Timeframe aligns with AI trends (longer for structural growth).



1. ARKQ - ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF

  • Key Strengths: Exceptional growth from AI/robotics focus; active management targets high-potential innovators like autonomous vehicles and 3D printing. Moderate diversification but higher risk.
  • 1-Year Return: ~+91%
  • YTD Return: ~+51%
  • Beta: 1.30
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 14.21%
  • Holdings: 37
  • Expense Ratio: 0.75%
  • AUM: ~$1.7B.
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.03%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (Medium confidence, 12-24 months)
  • Top Holdings: Tesla (12.6%), Kratos (10.2%), AeroVironment (5%), Teradyne (7.9%), Palantir (6.3%)
  • Why It's a Top Pick: Active management targets disruptive innovation; high growth potential.

2. CHAT - Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF

  • Key Strengths: Top growth in generative AI (e.g., chatbots, content creation); concentrated on pure AI plays but newer fund (inception 2023) with strong momentum.
  • 1-Year Return: ~64%
  • YTD Return: ~55%%
  • Beta: N/A
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 7.65%
  • Holdings: 42
  • Expense Ratio: 0.75%
  • AUM ($B): 1
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.15%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (Medium confidence, 12 months)

3. SMH - VanEck Semiconductor ETF

    • Key Strengths: High growth from AI chip demand (e.g., Nvidia exposure); focused on semiconductors, which are critical for AI, but low holdings reduce diversification.
    • 1-Year Return: 37%
    • YTD Return: 42%
    • Beta: 1.35
    • Volatility (Std Dev): 32.92%
    • Holdings: 26
    • Expense Ratio: 0.35%
    • AUM ($B): 34
    • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.02%).
    • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)
    • Top Holdings: Nvidia (19%), TSMC (9.7%), Broadcom (8%)
    • Why It's a Top Pick: Capitalizes on AI chip boom; strong 3-year returns of ~30% annualized.

4. AIQ - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF

  • Key Strengths: Balanced AI/tech exposure globally; solid growth with reasonable safety and diversification across data, software, and hardware.
  • 1-Year Return: 37.83%
  • YTD Return: 33.55%
  • Beta: 1.13
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 3.89%
  • Holdings: 89
  • Expense Ratio: 0.68%
  • AUM ($M): 6,328
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.08%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)

5. WTAI - WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund

  • Key Strengths: Strong AI-specific growth with good diversification across global AI enablers; low volatility makes it safer for long-term holds.
  • 1-Year Return: 51.71%
  • YTD Return: 37.55%
  • Beta: N/A
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 2.77%
  • Holdings: 78
  • Expense Ratio: 0.45%
  • AUM ($M): 393
  • Valuation Assessment: Overvalued (premium 1.02%).
  • Recommendation: Hold (medium confidence, 3-6 months)

6. VGT - Vanguard Information Technology ETF

  • Key Strengths: Broad tech sector coverage with AI overlap; excellent diversification (318 holdings across tech sub-sectors) and low costs; higher volatility but strong historical returns.
  • 1-Year Return: 30.47%
  • YTD Return: 23.95%
  • Beta: 1.16
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 59.61%
  • Holdings: 318
  • Expense Ratio: 0.09%
  • AUM ($M): 111,324
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.10%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)
  • Top Holdings: Apple (13.3%), Microsoft (13.1%), Nvidia (17%) , Broadcom Inc (4.5%), Oracle (2.3%)
  • Why It's a Top Pick: Low-cost, broad exposure to U.S. tech; tracks MSCI US IMI/Information Technology 25/50 Index.

7. XLK - Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund

  • Key Strengths: Reliable tech growth with AI leaders; very low expenses and good safety relative to peers; focused on large-cap tech.
  • 1-Year Return: 28.35%
  • YTD Return: 25.60%
  • Beta: 1.14
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 22.19%
  • Holdings: 70
  • Expense Ratio: 0.08%
  • AUM ($M): 92,262
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.02%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)
  • Top Holdings: Microsoft (22%), Apple (21%), Nvidia (20%)
  • Why It's a Top Pick: Highly liquid, tracks S&P 500 tech sector; ideal for core holdings.

8. QQQ - Invesco QQQ Trust

  • Key Strengths: Iconic Nasdaq-100 index tracker with heavy AI/tech weighting; balanced growth and diversification; suitable for safety-focused investors.
  • 1-Year Return: 25.64%
  • YTD Return: 20.05%
  • Beta: 1.11
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 40.41%
  • Holdings: 102
  • Expense Ratio: 0.20%
  • AUM ($M): 389,365
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.02%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)
  • Top Holdings: Apple (9%), Microsoft (8%), Nvidia (7%)
  • Why It's a Top Pick: Tech-adjacent with communication services; equal to broad growth.

9. BOTZ - Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF

  • Key Strengths: Robotics/AI theme with global exposure; lower growth but very low volatility and decent diversification for safety.
  • 1-Year Return: 16.83%
  • YTD Return: 16.83%
  • Beta: 1.25
  • Volatility (Std Dev): 2.19%
  • Holdings: 54
  • Expense Ratio: 0.68%
  • AUM ($M): 3,116
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.19%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)
  • Top Holdings: Nvidia (10%), ABB (8%), Intuitive Surgical (7%)
  • Why It's a Top Pick: Global exposure to automation; benefits from industrial AI adoption.

10. Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM)

  • Key Strengths: Invests in quantum computing and AI-related tech, blending machine learning with advanced computing for unique long-term tech growth diversification.
  • Expense Ratio: 0.4%,
  • AUM: $2.8 billion,
  • 1-Year Return: 78.4%.
  • YTD Return: 36.2%
  • Valuation Assessment: Fairly valued (premium 0.02%).
  • Recommendation: Buy (medium confidence, 12 months)

Overall, the list's ~35% average YTD outperforms the S&P 500's ~15%, but tech premiums signal caution amid AI hype. Favor Buy on 9/10 for long-term growth; Hold WTAI short-term due to premium. Allocate 10–20% to AI/tech; monitor Q3 earnings for rotations. Not advice—consult pros.Key Insights
  • Growth Focus: ARKQ and CHAT lead due to explosive returns from AI innovation, but they're riskier with higher expenses and fewer holdings. SMH benefits from the AI infrastructure boom (e.g., chips for data centers).
  • Safety Focus: BOTZ, WTAI, and AIQ have the lowest volatility, making them suitable for conservative investors seeking AI exposure without extreme swings.
  • Diversification Focus: VGT stands out with 318 holdings across tech subsectors, reducing single-stock risk compared to concentrated funds like SMH (26 holdings).
  • General Advice: For a balanced portfolio, combine a high-growth pick (e.g., ARKQ) with a diversified one (e.g., VGT). All data is current and sourced from ETF databases; performance is not guaranteed and past results don't predict future outcomes. Consider your risk tolerance and consult a financial advisor.

Disclaimer

The information presented in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional financial or investment advice. The revenue figures, company rankings, and projections are based on publicly available data, company reports, and industry estimates as of 2025. All currency conversions, where applicable, are based on annual average exchange rates.

While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information, One Day Advisor and the article’s authors do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the content for any particular purpose. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently and consult qualified professionals before making any business, investment, or healthcare decisions based on the information provided.

The article may reference ongoing developments, regulatory actions, or market events that are subject to change. One Day Advisor is not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this information.


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