Top 10 ETF Picks for AI and Tech Growth in October 2025: Best Funds to Buy Now for Growth, Safety, and 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.

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: 100.88%
• YTD Return: 59.20%
• Beta: 1.30
• Volatility (Std Dev): 14.21%
• Holdings: 37
• Expense Ratio: 0.75%
• AUM ($M): 1,693

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: 69.59%
• YTD Return: 60.87%
• Beta: N/A
• Volatility (Std Dev): 7.65%
• Holdings: 42
• Expense Ratio: 0.75%
• AUM ($M): 913

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: 37.65%
• YTD Return: 42.90%
• Beta: 1.35
• Volatility (Std Dev): 32.92%
• Holdings: 26
• Expense Ratio: 0.35%
• AUM ($M): 34,055
• Final recommendation: Buy
• Confidence Level: Medium
• Expected time frame: Buy and hold for 6 months (positioning for recovery from recent selloffs and long-term AI growth)

4. 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

5. 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

6. VGT - Vanguard Information Technology ETF

• Key Strengths: Broad tech sector coverage with AI overlap; excellent diversification 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

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

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

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

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%

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.

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