12 Best AI ETFs To Invest In 2024

Published on March 9, 2024 at 8:03 am by Hamna Asim in ETF Trading, News

In this article, we discuss 12 best AI to invest in 2024. If you want to skip our discussion on the artificial intelligence industry, head over to 5 Best AI ETFs To Invest In 2024.

In 2023, artificial intelligence drove numerous technological advancements, with automation and machine learning expected to further enhance the tech ecosystem in 2024. Larger companies were twice as likely to utilize AI in 2022, and 80% of retail executives plan to implement AI-driven automation by 2025. Despite a projected 38% growth in the AI market in 2023, skepticism exists among tech enthusiasts for AI’s growth in 2024. Some experts cite the expensive nature of generative AI creation, coupled with chip shortages, as potential challenges. While there are concerns about an “AI cold shower,” it is considered a myth, and extensive investments in AI continue despite uncertainties. 2024 is anticipated to be a crucial year for AI, with researchers and enterprises exploring practical integration into daily life. The evolution of generative AI parallels that of computers, progressing from large mainframes to smaller, more efficient machines. 2023 saw the rise of efficient open-source foundation models, like Meta’s LlaMa, StableLM, Falcon, Mistral, and Llama 2. These models, with fine-tuning techniques, rival proprietary ones in performance despite smaller parameter counts.

A Bloomberg Intelligence report predicts that the generative AI market will experience explosive growth, reaching $1.3 trillion over the next decade from $40 billion in 2022. The estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is 42%, driven initially by training infrastructure and later shifting to inference devices for large language models, digital ads, specialized software, and services. The rising demand for generative AI products could generate around $280 billion in new software revenue, benefiting companies like Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), and NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) as enterprises transition more workloads to the public cloud. Bloomberg Intelligence expects generative AI to represent 10% of total spending on IT hardware, software services, ad spending, and gaming markets by 2032, with significant revenue drivers including infrastructure-as-a-service, digital ads, and specialized AI assistant software. The life sciences and education sectors are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of generative AI, particularly in areas like specialized AI-based software assistants that could transform search and information summarization in these segments. Mandeep Singh, Senior Technology Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and lead author of the BI report commented:

“The world is poised to see an explosion of growth in the generative AI sector over the next ten years that promises to fundamentally change the way the technology sector operates. The technology is set to become an increasingly essential part of IT spendig, ad spending, and cybersecurity as it develops”.

On February 26, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon expressed confidence in the significance of artificial intelligence, stating that it is not just a passing trend and extends beyond large language models like ChatGPT. Dimon compared the current state of AI to the tech bubble around the turn of the century, emphasizing the substantial impact AI is expected to have. JPMorgan has internally explored the use of these technologies, with Dimon foreseeing AI playing a role in almost every job. JPMorgan has dedicated resources, including a chief data and analytics officer, for AI-related initiatives, with around 200 employees actively researching large language models. Dimon, while acknowledging potential misuse, expressed optimism about AI’s positive contributions, citing cybersecurity and pharmaceutical research as areas where it can be particularly beneficial.

Some of the best AI ETFs offer investors exposure to stocks like Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG). You can also check out our article about 12 Best Artificial Intelligence Stocks to Buy.

Our Methodology

We used an ETF screener and filtered out the best performing AI ETFs based on year-to-date share price performance. These ETFs provide investors exposure to companies involved in manufacturing hardware, software, and technologies related to artificial intelligence, data analytics and big data, semiconductors, machine learning and automation, robotics, cloud computing, and AI-driven services. We have also discussed the top holdings of the ETFs to offer better insight to potential investors. The list is ranked in ascending order of the year-to-date share price performance of these AI ETFs as of March 8, 2024.

A computer screen showcasing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms at work.

Best AI ETFs To Invest In 2024

12. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 4.59%

First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT) aims to mirror the performance of the Nasdaq CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index. The fund primarily invests in common stocks and depositary receipts, with a focus on companies involved in artificial intelligence and robotics across different sectors. As of February 1, 2024, the ETF offers an expense ratio of 0.65%, with a portfolio comprising 108 stocks. First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT) is one of the best AI ETFs to buy.

SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) is one of the largest holdings of First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (NASDAQ:ROBT). SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) is a cybersecurity provider operating globally. It offers the Singularity Extended Detection and Response Platform. This platform utilizes artificial intelligence for autonomous threat prevention, detection, and response across an organization’s endpoints and cloud workloads.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) was part of 33 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 45 in the earlier quarter. Anchorage Advisors is the biggest stakeholder of the company, with 9.86 million shares worth $270.75 million.

Like Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) is one of the favorite stocks of hedge funds.

Baron Discovery Fund stated the following regarding SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

“SentinelOne, Inc. (NYSE:S) is a cybersecurity software company that specializes in endpoint protection, cloud security, and security data analytics. Shares rose on outstanding quarterly financial results and strong guidance. SentinelOne is one of the fastest growing public cybersecurity companies, with revenue expected to grow more than 46% this fiscal year. Growth has been driven by a combination of: 1) market share capture from legacy endpoint vendors that struggle to compete against SentinelOne’s AI-enabled platform; 2) an ongoing shift of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure to the cloud driving demand for cloud application protection (growing triple digits); and 3) cybersecurity vendor consolidation favoring end-to-end platforms with comprehensive security portfolios over single-point solutions. The company is also leveraging its single data store and AI capabilities to cross-sell more products into its existing customer base and increase average sale prices. Between larger deal sizes and improving operating efficiencies, we believe the company can continue to expand margins at a significant rate and begin generating positive free cash flow in the next fiscal year.”

11. Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSE:ROBO)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 6.45%

Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSE:ROBO) invests in global companies leading advancements in robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence. As of March 7, 2024, Robo Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (NYSE:ROBO)’s portfolio holds 77 stocks and has an expense ratio of 0.95%.

NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is the biggest position in the ETF’s portfolio. It is a leading technology company known for its contributions to artificial intelligence. On March 7, Mizuho raised its price target for NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) shares from $850 to $1,000, citing growing opportunities in artificial intelligence and custom silicon. The investment firm views Nvidia as the largest beneficiary in the near-term AI landscape, emphasizing the company’s significant success in this sector.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 173 hedge funds were long NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), compared to 180 funds in the last quarter.

Capital stated the following regarding NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

“We were fortunate to have some exposure to some of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ – Amazon, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), Meta Platforms and Google (although in aggregate, we still hold a smaller weighting than the S&P 500).

While we are cautious in AI infrastructure, we do think there are mispriced opportunities in areas of application software where AI can be infused to make a step change improvement. Posted in our office is this chart that ASML provides at each of its investor days. This chart is a little outdated from 2021, but we think illustrates how value (in operating profit) was distributed across semiconductors, hardware, and then software & services. It’s very clear that most of the economic value in the past has accrued to the software services (in gray) built on the backs of highly technical companies run by extremely smart people.

Why is this? We think it is due to a combination of distribution and network effects. Our working hypothesis right now is that this will likely remain a similar outcome in the AI epoch. One outlier right now is Nvidia which is capturing 80% margins..” (Click here to read the full text)

10. WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (CBOE:WTAI)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 6.85%

WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (CBOE:WTAI) aims to replicate the performance of the WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence & Innovation Index, investing in companies primarily engaged in AI and innovation. The ETF, established in September 2021, has an expense ratio of 0.45% as of March 7, 2024. It is one of the best AI ETFs to invest in.

Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM) is the largest holding of WisdomTree Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Fund (CBOE:WTAI). Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM) specializes in designing, developing, and licensing central processing unit products, microprocessors, intellectual property for systems, graphics processing units, physical IP, software, and associated services. On February 7, Arm published financial results for its fiscal third quarter ended December 31, 2023. The company announced a non-GAAP EPS of $0.29 and a revenue of $824 million, outperforming Wall Street estimates by $0.04 and $61.01 million, respectively.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 22 hedge funds were bullish on Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:ARM), compared to 35 funds in the prior quarter. Rajiv Jain’s GQG Partners is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 15.3 million shares worth $1.15 billion.

9. QRAFT AI-Enhanced U.S. Large Cap ETF (NYSE:QRFT)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 8.95%

QRAFT AI-Enhanced U.S. Large Cap ETF (NYSE:QRFT), established on May 21, 2019, actively manages a portfolio of artificial intelligence companies. It aims to achieve long-term capital appreciation by dynamically adjusting its portfolio based on five factors: quality, size, value, momentum, and low volatility. The ETF carries an expense ratio of 0.75%. QRAFT AI-Enhanced U.S. Large Cap ETF (NYSE:QRFT) is one of the best AI ETFs to buy.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is the largest holding of QRAFT AI-Enhanced U.S. Large Cap ETF (NYSE:QRFT). On February 1, the company announced financial results for its fiscal 2024 first quarter ended December 30, 2023. Apple reported a Q1 GAAP EPS of $2.18 and a revenue of $119.6 billion, outperforming Wall Street estimates by $0.07 and $1.34 billion, respectively.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 131 hedge funds were long Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), compared to 134 funds in the prior quarter. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is the biggest stakeholder of the company, with 905.56 million shares worth $174.3 billion.

Horizon Kinetics stated the following regarding Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

“The full point is that if BYD has turned its attention from its domestic market to direct global competition, then other Chinese companies can do the same. The next most visible example of Chinese commercially applied technological prowess relates to the 2nd highest-weight company in the S&P 500, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL).

In September 2023, Huawei Technologies introduced its Mate 60 Pro smartphone. It uses its own, internally developed 5G enabled chip that is apparently competitive with the Apple A17 chip. For practical purposes it has the functionality of the iPhone 15 Pro. This came as a great surprise – perhaps even shock – to the U.S. technology community, because four years ago the U.S. placed strict sanctions on China’s access to state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing technology…” (Click here to read the full text)

8. Franklin Exponential Data ETF (CBOE:XDAT)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 9.69%

Franklin Exponential Data ETF (CBOE:XDAT) is an ETF established on January 12, 2021, focusing on companies related to big data, data infrastructure, and innovative data applications such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and personalized healthcare. The fund employs bottom-up fundamental research and is actively managed by an experienced portfolio management team, known for investing in innovation. As of March 7, 2024, its net assets amounted to $6.96 million, with a net expense ratio of 0.50% as of August 1, 2023.

Franklin Exponential Data ETF (CBOE:XDAT)’s biggest holding is Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Microsoft’s impressive December quarter results, exceeding expectations, received positive feedback on Wall Street. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives sees substantial opportunities for the company in artificial intelligence. He increased his price target for Microsoft from $450 to $475 and maintained an Outperform rating on the shares, emphasizing the transformative impact of the ongoing AI revolution.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 302 hedge funds were long Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), compared to 306 funds in the last quarter. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 38.2 million shares worth $14.3 billion.

Alger Spectra Fund stated the following regarding Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

“Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a beneficiary of corporate America’s transformative digitization. Microsoft’s CEO expects technology spending as a percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to jump from about 5% now to 10% in 10 years and that Microsoft will continue to capture market share within the technology sector. The company operates through three segments: Productivity and Business Processes (Office. LinkedIn, and Dynamics), Intelligent Cloud (Server Products and Cloud Services, Azure, and Enterprise Services), and More Personal Computing (Windows, Devices. Gaming, and Search). During the quarter, the company reported strong fiscal first quarter results, where revenues and earnings beat analyst estimates, driven in large part to growing Al demand. Regarding Intelligent Cloud segment, management noted Azure optimizations were similar to the previous quarter, but new Al and traditional workloads are helping drive greater consumption growth, which resulted in their first reacceleration since March 2022. We believe the strong Azure performance suggests diminishing cost optimization headwinds and growing strength in Al service consumption.”

7. Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 11.76%

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ), established on May 11, 2018, focuses on investing in companies poised to benefit from the advancement and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technology. It tracks the performance of the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. As of March 7, 2024, Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ) has an expense ratio of 0.68% and has a portfolio of 85 stocks.

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is one of the top holdings of Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ:AIQ). On February 1, Meta reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $5.33 and a revenue of $40.11 billion, exceeding Wall Street estimates by $0.39 and $940 million, respectively.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 242 hedge funds were bullish on Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), compared to 234 funds in the last quarter. Chase Coleman’s Tiger Global Management is a prominent stakeholder of the company, with 7.46 million shares worth $2.6 billion.

SaltLight Capital stated the following regarding Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

“Meta Platforms, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:META) primary mission is all about capitalising on user engagement and maintaining its network effects. AI is augmenting their objectives in two ways: 1) Improving engagement time per daily active user (AI Job One) 2) Matching ad buyers (advertisers) with ad consumers (AI Job Two)

Improving Engagement Time per Daily Active User Meta is in the business of making sure that when you’re scrolling through your feed or watching videos, you’re glued to the screen as long as possible. Why? Because the longer you watch, the more ads they can slip into your viewing experience (think of digital billboards). But these ‘digital billboards’ are a finite resource – only more engagement time creates them.

And here’s where the magic of ‘AI job one’ comes in – finding that perfect video that keeps you hooked – thereby increasing the time you spend on the platform. It’s a cycle that feeds itself: more engagement means more opportunities to serve ads, which in turn means more revenue…” (Click here to read the full text)

6. Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSE:THNQ)

YTD Share Price Gain as of March 8: 12.02%

Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSE:THNQ) ranks 6th on our list of the best AI ETFs. Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSE:THNQ) focuses on investing in companies worldwide at the forefront of the AI revolution. Its portfolio includes companies involved in developing AI technology, infrastructure, computing, data, cloud services, and those applying AI across sectors such as e-commerce, healthcare, and business processes. The ETF seeks to mirror the price and yield performance of the ROBO Global Artificial Intelligence Index. As of March 7, 2024, the ETF carries an expense ratio of 0.68% and holds 62 stocks in its portfolio.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is one of the top holdings of Robo Global Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSE:THNQ). The company is a global semiconductor company operating in the Data Center, Client, Gaming, and Embedded segments. On March 4, investment firm UBS expressed a positive outlook, particularly focusing on opportunities within artificial intelligence. AMD reiterated its confidence in meeting its $3.5 billion target for 2024 data center GPU revenue, asserting that it currently has more supply than needed. UBS analysts estimate that AMD is poised to capture approximately 10% of the data center GPU market by the end of the year.

According to Insider Monkey’s fourth quarter database, 120 hedge funds were long Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD), compared to 110 funds in the prior quarter. Ken Fisher’s Fisher Asset Management is the largest stakeholder of the company, with 28.3 million shares worth nearly $4.2 billion.

In addition to Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISRG), Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO), and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is one of the best AI stocks to buy.

Jackson Peak Capital stated the following regarding Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:

“On the long side of the portfolio, a core theme we remain invested behind is the data center infrastructure buildout and AI chips arms race that we’ve discussed since our first letter in Q2. Some skepticism has crept into the market, and it’s understandable given the huge ramp in 2023. However, our research continues to suggest 2023 was the start of a multi-year platform shift. Value will accrue to varying segments of the AI value chain at different parts of the cycle. We continue to see value in the “boots on the ground” winners in the data center buildout (Vertiv, Modine Manufacturing, Celestica). Our positioning in AI semiconductor companies (NVDA and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD)) has ebbed and flowed given we are cognizant (perhaps too much so) that these names are crowded positions across investor style types. We’ve done well in these chip stocks since inception and NVDA is currently a long, and we’re trying to “let winners run” while using sizing to risk manage these names due to the market-wide positioning bias in semiconductors.”

Click to continue reading and see 5 Best AI ETFs To Invest In 2024.