Many investors utilise ASX ETFs to capture returns of global indexes like the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) and S&P 500 Index (SP: INX).
However there are a growing number of thematic funds that target more niche sectors.
These funds can offer targeted exposure to high-growth trends, helping investors diversify beyond traditional sectors and potentially capture outsized returns.
However, they are often more volatile, less diversified, and more sensitive to changing market sentiment. This can lead to sharper losses if the underlying theme falls out of favour.
While this balance is important to understand, there are some global trends emerging that could be poised to outperform traditional indexes in the next 12 months.
Let's look at three possibilities.
Global X Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: GXAI)
A new report from Global X highlighted that recent US earnings season results pointed towards good news for AI.
The key takeaway according to Global X was that corporate earnings have come in stronger than investors expected. Largely, earnings growth accelerated from last quarter.
Global X reinforced that large global technology companies are now spending real money on AI infrastructure including data centres, cloud capacity, chips and power.
Capital spending plans across the biggest US tech firms have been revised higher, and cloud revenue growth is accelerating rather than slowing.
This is good news for AI focussed ASX ETFs like GXAI.
This fund seeks to invest in companies that potentially stand to benefit from the further development and utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in their products and services, as well as in companies that provide hardware facilitating the use of AI for the analysis of big data.
These tailwinds could push this fund ahead in the coming months.
VanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF (ASX: QSML)
Turning attention to global small-caps, this fund from VanEck could be set for outperformance in the near term.
According to a recent report from VanEck, global small company valuations, relative to large companies, are at a discount.
The ASX ETF provider believes small-cap stocks are beginning to outperform as easing geopolitical tensions shift investor focus from defensive large caps toward undervalued companies with stronger fundamentals and more attractive valuations.
This could be good news for the VanEck MSCI International Small Companies Quality ETF.
It offers a diversified portfolio of 150 international developed market small-cap quality growth securities.
Betashares S&P ASX Australian Technology ETF (ASX: ATEC)
Australian technology stocks were among the most heavily sold-off in early 2026.
The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) crashed almost 30% between January and March of this year.
This was spurred on by panic that SaaS companies would be replaced by cheaper, more efficient AI models.
This belief has started to reverse course, as many shares in the sector appear oversold.
In summary, many of these companies remain fundamentally strong despite large share-price declines earlier in 2026. This means valuations may now look attractive if earnings continue growing.
This ASX ETF from Betashares targets aims to track the performance of the S&P/ASX All Technology Index.
The Index provides exposure to leading ASX-listed companies in a range of tech-related market segments such as information technology, consumer electronics, online retail and medical technology.
If Aussie tech recovers, this fund will be set to succeed.
The post 3 ASX ETFs that could outperform the ASX in the next 12 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.
Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.
The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson. 2026