From machine learning and automation to generative AI tools and advanced semiconductors, the artificial intelligence market is expected to expand rapidly over the next several years, creating major opportunities for both companies and investors.

According to Grand View Research, the global AI market could expand from about $137 billion in 2022 to more than $1.8 trillion by 2030. Other studies suggest AI may add trillions of dollars to the global economy over the next decade as companies use it to improve productivity, lower costs, and increase profits.

Because of this massive potential, many investors want exposure to AI-related stocks. Investors are increasingly viewing artificial intelligence as a long-term megatrend similar to the early growth of the internet or cloud computing. That excitement has helped fuel significant gains in many AI stocks, but it has also increased volatility as valuations rise and competition intensifies across the sector. For newer investors, especially, finding a balanced way to participate in the future of AI without taking excessive risk has become an important part of building a long-term portfolio.

Companies like NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) have become popular choices because they help power AI systems through advanced computer chips and data center technology. However, choosing the right AI stocks can be difficult. The industry changes quickly, competition is intense, and even promising companies can experience large swings in price.

For investors who want a simpler and potentially safer way to invest in the future of AI, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be a smart option. AI ETFs allow investors to own a collection of companies connected to artificial intelligence instead of relying on a single stock. This diversification can reduce risk while still providing exposure to the fast-growing AI market.

Why Investors Are Looking Beyond Individual AI Stocks

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF

One ETF many investors consider is the AIQ, also known as the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ: AIQ). This fund focuses on companies that could benefit from the development and use of AI technologies across different industries. The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.68%, making it a relatively affordable way to gain broad exposure to the AI sector.

The fund includes major technology companies and AI leaders such as Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META). By investing in multiple companies, the ETF spreads risk across different parts of the AI industry, including cloud computing, software, semiconductors, and digital platforms.

Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF 

Another one of the top AI ETFs to consider for the future of AI is the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ: BOTZ). With an expense ratio of 0.68%, the ETF invests in companies that should benefit from the increased adoption of robotics and AI. Some of its 49 holdings include NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Keyence (OTCMKTS: KYCCF), DynaTrace (NYSE: DT), SMC Corp. (OTCMKTS: SMCAY), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Upstart Holdings (NASDAQ: UPST), and C3.ai (NYSE: AI).

ETFs Can Help You Capture the Future of AI

Artificial intelligence is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy for years to come. As companies continue investing in machine learning, automation, robotics, and AI-powered software, investors have an opportunity to benefit from the industry’s long-term expansion. While individual AI stocks like NVIDIA and Advanced Micro Devices may continue to attract attention, AI-focused ETFs can provide a diversified approach to investing in this rapidly exploding market.

For long-term investors, AI ETFs may represent one of the most practical ways to participate in the future of AI while managing risk. Instead of depending on a single company to dominate the industry, ETFs allow investors to benefit from broader trends across semiconductors, cloud infrastructure, software, robotics, and automation. As artificial intelligence adoption expands throughout the global economy, diversified AI ETFs could continue to attract investors seeking both growth potential and a more balanced approach to one of the market’s most transformative technologies.

According to Grand View Research, the global AI boom could grow from about $137 billion in 2022 to more than $1.81 trillion by 2030. Meanwhile, the Marketing AI Institute notes that artificial intelligence could boost profitability by 38% on average and contribute up to $14 trillion in additional global economic value by 2035, based on Accenture research.

MIT Technology Review has also highlighted the rapid pace of change, noting that AI could rival or surpass human capabilities across many domains within decades. For investors, that kind of growth trajectory signals a major long-term opportunity

However, that opportunity also raises a key question: what’s the smartest way to gain exposure? For those hesitant to pick individual winners beyond names like NVDA or AMD, AI ETFs offer a more balanced and accessible approach.

Why AI ETFs Are a Smart Way to Invest in Artificial Intelligence

AI ETFs allow you to invest in a diversified basket of companies involved in artificial intelligence, automation, and related technologies. Instead of betting on a single stock, you gain exposure to an entire ecosystem—from chipmakers and cloud providers to software developers and robotics firms.

This diversification helps reduce risk while still allowing you to benefit from the overall growth of the AI industry. It also saves time and effort, since professional fund managers handle the selection and rebalancing of holdings.

AIQ ETF: Broad Exposure to Artificial Intelligence Leaders

If you want diversified AI exposure at a reasonable cost, the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (NASDAQ: AIQ) is a strong option.

With an expense ratio of 0.68%, the ETF invests in companies that potentially stand to benefit from the further development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Some of its top holdings include Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR), Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO), Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX), NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META).

BOTZ ETF: Targeted Exposure to Robotics and AI Innovation

Another top option is the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (NASDAQ: BOTZ), which focuses more specifically on robotics and automation.

Also carrying an expense ratio of 0.68%, BOTZ includes around 40–50 holdings such as NVIDIA, Keyence (OTCMKTS: KYCCF), DynaTrace (NYSE: DT), Intuitive Surgical (NASDAQ: ISRG), Upstart Holdings (NASDAQ: UPST), and C3.ai (NYSE: AI). This ETF leans more heavily into industrial automation and robotics, offering a slightly more concentrated bet on how AI is transforming physical industries.

For investors who want targeted exposure to robotics alongside AI, BOTZ provides a compelling complement to broader AI ETFs.

The Case for AI ETFs as a Long-Term Investment Strategy

Artificial intelligence is shaping up to be one of the most important investment themes of the next decade, and AI ETFs provide a practical way to gain exposure without taking on unnecessary risk. Instead of trying to predict which single company will dominate, funds like AIQ and BOTZ allow investors to participate in the broader ecosystem and drive innovation.

This approach is particularly valuable in a fast-evolving sector like AI, where leadership can shift quickly, and new technologies can disrupt incumbents. By investing in AI ETFs, you’re effectively positioning your portfolio to benefit from multiple growth drivers, including semiconductors, cloud computing, enterprise software, and robotics.

Over time, that diversification can help smooth returns while still capturing meaningful upside. For investors looking to balance growth potential with risk management, AI ETFs stand out as one of the most efficient ways to invest in artificial intelligence today.

By almost any metric, this was a strong report and one that investors have been waiting on for some time. But the company offered full-year guidance that was only in line with its prior forecast, which was due to the continued impact of tariffs. 

That had analysts questioning how much growth was left in a stock that hit a 52-week high in December 2025. Analysts were bullish on MDT stock prior to the earnings report, so it’s a good idea to dive into the report to see if Medtronic belongs in your portfolio or on a watchlist.  

Organic Growth is the Key 

The core of Medtronic’s growth story lies in its robust organic revenue expansion. This metric strips away currency fluctuations, acquisitions, and divestitures to reveal the underlying health of a company’s operations. In Q3 fiscal 2026, Medtronic delivered worldwide revenue of $9.017 billion, reflecting 8.7% reported growth and a standout 6% organic increase. That was the company’s strongest quarterly performance in a decade. This exceeded internal guidance and market expectations, driven by broad-based strength across key portfolios rather than one-off events. 

Digging deeper into the report, we see that organic growth shone brightest in Medtronic’s Cardiovascular business, which was up 10.6% organically, fueled by an astonishing 80% surge in Cardiac Ablation Solutions from pulsed field ablation technology rollouts and 4 percentage points of market share gain in a $13 billion addressable market.  

Cardiac Rhythm & Heart Failure posted high-teens organic gains, while Diabetes grew 8.3% on MiniMed pump adoption and consumables. Neuroscience and Surgical Technologies added mid-single-digit organic advances, underscoring portfolio depth. Management highlighted recurring revenue streams through remote monitoring via CareLink, disposables like catheters and infusion sets as being the key to this sustainability, comprising 60-70% of the mix for annuity-like stability. 

For the full FY26, Medtronic reiterated approximately 5.5% organic revenue growth guidance, absorbing a $185 million tariff headwind, with Q4 expected to mirror Q3’s momentum. Adjusted gross margins hit 64.9%, reflecting pricing discipline and efficiency, while R&D investments rose 7% to fuel pipeline launches like the Sphere-360 catheter and Hugo robot approvals.  

The takeaway for investors is that Medtronic’s report wasn’t a one-off. This is execution on a roadmap that positions Medtronic for mid-single-digit growth amid demographic tailwinds such as aging populations and procedure volumes. Investors can trust these numbers as proof of operational leverage, not just hardware cycles, setting the stage for compounded returns.  

Growth In This Sector Seems Inevitable 

There are many reasons why thoughtful people can debate the merits of artificial intelligence (AI). But one of the most compelling applications for AI is in the field of robotics, particularly robotic surgery. This isn’t about removing the expertise of a doctor. It’s about providing the opportunity for a less invasive approach to surgery. And the applications are expanding.  

That said, Medtronic doesn’t have a moat in this sector. Many would argue it isn’t even the sector leader with companies like Intuitive Surgical (NYSE: ISRG) in the picture.  

However, this is an area that is primed for significant growth. According to Towardshealthcare.com, the industry will be valued at $16.07 billion in 2026 but is forecasted to grow to $63.73 billion by 2035. That’s a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.54%.  

Medtronic won’t have that growth to itself. But there’s room for more than one company, and Medtronic is well-positioned to grab significant market share. 

Two Ideas for MDT Stock 

If you own MDT stock, your opinion about the stock will depend on how long you’ve held it. If you bought the stock in the last three years, you’ve done pretty well. The same is true if you’ve owned it for more than 10 years.  

But if you bought the stock at its peak in 2026, it’s been a difficult hold. The total return for MDT stock is –5.24% over that span. That includes the company’s dividend, which has a yield of 2.95%.  

That brings us back to right now. The good news is that MDT stock appears to have found support at its 150-day simple moving average (SMA). If the stock holds above that level, it could retest its 52-week high around $106. However, the chart also shows a potential double-top reversal around the $95-$100 pivot with weak relative strength and expanding volume on downside candles.  

Simply put, the stock needs a catalyst to push it significantly higher. And with the company’s earnings outlook coming in line with expectations, upside may be limited. Nevertheless, Medtronic does pay a somewhat attractive dividend. The current annual payout is $2.84 per share. More importantly, the dividend is safe. In fact, if the company increases its dividend payout as expected, it will join the exclusive list of Dividend Kings. That means it will have increased its dividend payout for at least 50 consecutive years.  

Still, if you feel MDT stock carries too much risk on its own, you can get exposure to the stock through several exchange-traded funds (ETFs). One of those is the iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF (NYSEARCA: IHI). This is a market-cap weighted index, and 4.9% of the fund is invested in MDT stock.  

Like many stocks in the sector, the performance of the fund has been choppy in the last five years. Still, if you’re looking for exposure to the field of robotic surgery without the risk of owning any particular stock, the IHI fund is a solid choice, particularly with an expense ratio of just 0.40%.  

Medtronic: The Investment Verdict 

Medtronic’s Q3 organic beat and recurring revenue resilience affirm a compelling growth thesis, even if near-term tariffs cap headlines. With support at the 150-day SMA and Dividend King status looming, patient holders stand to benefit from robotic surgery tailwinds and pipeline catalysts. For conservative exposure, IHI ETF offers diversified upside at low cost—buy the dip above key supports.