As we head into 2026, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing appear poised to continue driving the market. AI is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of more than 30% through 2033, expanding from a market of $390 billion this year to $3.5 trillion.
That's a compelling reason in itself to invest, but do you need to sit things out if you don't have a lot of money to start? Not at all. Even if you don't have access to fractional shares, you can find plenty of methods to build the beginnings of a diversified AI portfolio with less than $100 and start a long investing journey.
All you need is some attractively priced exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Here are three from which to choose.
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Global X Cloud Computing ETF
The Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU 0.56%) gives investors access to a variety of software and cloud infrastructure stocks. It provides more mid-cap exposure than funds like the Technology Select SPDR Fund or the Vanguard Information Technology ETF, which emphasize large-cap names but are also priced at more than $100.
NASDAQ: CLOU
Key Data Points
Instead, the CLOU ETF tracks the Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index, which comprises companies engaged in data centers, infrastructure, software-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and infrastructure-as-a-service.
The fund currently holds 39 stocks, with the top holdings being Akamai Technologies, Salesforce, and Zoom Communications. None of the stocks have a weighting above 5%, making the fund relatively well balanced. It has an expense ratio of 0.68%, or $68 per year for every $10,000 invested.
Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF
The Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF (CHAT 2.97%) is focused specifically on generative AI. In fact, Roundhill says it is the first ETF that uses generative AI as a theme. That means that of the 50 holdings in the fund, you get access to some of the biggest companies in the world.
NYSEMKT: CHAT
Key Data Points
Top holdings for this actively managed fund include Alphabet, Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Broadcom. Alphabet and Nvidia have the biggest weightings, at 7.4% and 6%, respectively. You also have exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, which is the biggest chip fabricator in the world; Nebius Group, which provides data center capacity; and Super Micro Computer, which is known for its custom server solutions.
The CHAT ETF has an expense ratio of 0.75%.
Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF
The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ 1.74%) is operated by the same company that runs the CLOU ETF. However, this fund is more aligned with the CHAT fund in that it has a bigger focus on AI rather than software, platforms, and infrastructure.
It tracks the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index and, with 86 stocks, is the most diversified fund on the list. Top holdings are Alphabet, Samsung, Broadcom, Advanced Micro Devices, and Tesla, with no stock having more than a 5% weighting.
Like the previous Global X fund, this ETF has an expense ratio of 0.68%
NASDAQ: BOTZ
Key Data Points
Which fund is the best investment?
That's really up to individual investors. The best thing about ETFs is that there are literally thousands of funds from which to choose, with some of them being very focused on things like AI and others taking a much broader view.
However, if you look at the year-to-date performance, there's a clear difference. The Roundhill Generative AI and Technology ETF has increased in value by more than 50% this year, largely due to the strong performance of the major AI stocks it holds. In comparison, the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence fund is up only 9%, and the CLOU ETF is actually down 9% on the year.
As the AI revolution continues, I expect the CHAT ETF to continue outpacing the rest of the market. And as it provides low-cost diversification into dozens of companies that are leading the way in AI development, it is probably the best bet right now.
