Global X Outlines 5 Top Themes for 2026: AI, Gold, Bitcoin, Real Assets, Growth Companies

SYDNEY, 1 December 2025 - New research from Global X ETFs predicts Five Key Trends for 2026, including gold and silver to shine again while Bitcoin's adoption may broaden, providing a potential lever for the coin while the artificial intelligence (AI) boom will likely endure through 2026. A focus on growth companies could also see investors reap outperformance, as Global X outlines five key investment themes for 2026. 

Theme 1: AI investing remains important

According to Global X, the AI demand remains durable and is rising, and that the investment cycle still has significant runway.  "The US technology giants are likely to remain very profitable, with robust margins, scalable business models and strong balance sheets, which could keep getting stronger in 2026. Indeed, over the next three years, earnings per share (EPS) for the broader FANG universe is projected to rise faster than the overall US share market, led by Nvidia." says Billy Leung, senior investment strategist at Global X ETFs Australia.

"We are also likely to see AI adoption broaden across traditional industries, with the intersection of digital and physical infrastructure defining the next phase of the cycle. As AI expands globally, the demand for power, efficiency and connectivity will define the next phase of AI investment. Resource pressure points are becoming the new drivers of investment; AI-related data centre growth is already straining electricity grids and resource supply, creating a structural demand tailwind for nuclear energy, grid technology and critical minerals," says Leung.

Theme 2: Gold and silver buying to buoy bullion

Gold buying by central banks and retail investors will remain high in 2026, says Justin Lin, investment strategist with Global X. "Following a healthy consolidation phase, gold will likely resume its rally and potentially test the US$4,500 resistance level. This move is likely to be catalysed by the US Federal Reserve's return to rate cuts in early 2026. We view gold as the most effective hedge against lingering economic and geopolitical tail risks heading into 2026, while structural drivers such as sustained central-bank accumulation and resilient ETF demand to underpin an exceptionally constructive backdrop for gold." says Lin.

"We also expect silver to resume its strong momentum into next year, albeit at a more measured pace than the aggressive rally seen in 2025. Rising demand from the energy transition and next-generation chip technologies is colliding with a supply deficit, reinforcing silver's long-term investment appeal. Its long-standing relationship with gold should also provide a supportive tailwind, particularly as we expect gold to outperform over the next 12 months."

Theme 3: Real assets to remain relevant

A related theme is that investors will likely seek assets that can preserve real value in an environment of persistent fiscal risk and economic uncertainty. "While gold remains a core expression of this view, commodities more broadly are likely to play an important role in 2026, with copper and uranium likely to build on their strong gains in 2025. Lithium prices could build on their strong rebound," says Leung.

"The growing EV sector explains some of the demand; the sector is entering a more favourable and profitable phase. Healthier automakers are likely to reinvest in next-generation battery production, all of which supports stronger visibility for battery providers, lithium producers and the entire battery value chain. As profitability returns at the top of the stack, the upstream ecosystem stands to benefit, creating a more compelling opportunity across batteries, materials, and the broader electrification theme," he says.

Theme 4: Investing in growth equities backed by attractive valuations

Investing in growth equities backed by attractive valuations and earnings could be important to achieve equites outperformance in 2026, says Marc Jocum, senior product and investment strategist at Global X. A GARP strategy, or Growth at a Reasonable Price, is one of the best-performing equity factors over the last 20 years.  "GARP investing captures companies with strong, sustainable earnings growth, but without overpaying for it.

From a macroeconomic perspective, falling inflation and stable growth (known as "Goldilocks") create a favourable backdrop. Historically, during periods of rising growth and falling inflation, a GARP strategy has delivered its strongest average excess monthly return," says Jocum. "While the US still leads in innovation and profitability, the story is broadening. Europe is stabilising as energy and investment programs gain traction, Japan continues to benefit from corporate reform and an undervalued currency, and Asia is showing strength through supply-chain diversification and rising domestic consumption."

Theme 5: Bitcoin adoption to accelerate 
While precious metals have been key beneficiaries of volatile geopolitics, trade tensions and inflationary concerns, 2025 also marked an evolutionary year for Bitcoin as it began staking its own claim as a store of value.

"This is not to say Bitcoin has shed its speculative characteristics or is anywhere near replacing gold, and recent volatility highlights the cryptocurrency asset class remains volatile. But demand is high enough, including from institutions, to warrant a second look at its aspirations of Bitcoin becoming 'digital gold' in 2026. As it matures as an alternative asset, we believe it will increasingly earn a place alongside gold as a compelling long-term investment and meaningful store of value," says Lin.

ENDS

About Global X ETFs Australia

Global X ETFs Australia is a leading ETF provider with a growing range of cost-effective and innovation-led products which are built to help Australian investors achieve their investment outcomes by providing access to a successful pool of ETFs across thematics, income, commodities, digital assets and more. Global X Australia's nuanced understanding of the local market is backed by international resources and expertise to deliver a beyond ordinary experience for all stakeholders. 

About Global X ETFs 

Global X ETFs was founded in 2008. For more than a decade, our mission has been empowering investors with unexplored and intelligent solutions. Our product lineup features almost 400 ETF strategies worldwide and over US$97 billion in assets under management.[1]  While we are distinguished for our Thematic Growth, Income, and International Access ETFs, we also offer Core, Commodity, and Alpha funds to suit a wide range of investment objectives.

Global X is a member of Mirae Asset Financial Group, a global leader in financial services, with more than $729 billion in assets under management worldwide[2]. Mirae Asset has an extensive global ETF platform ranging across the US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Europe, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam with over $172 billion in assets under management.[3]

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For All Media Queries 

Courtenay Dawson, Global X ETFs | + 61 450 785 943 | courtenay.dawson@globalxetfs.com.au

Phoebe McElduff, DEC PR | +61 431 865 144 | globalx@decpr.com.au

Disclaimer

Global X Physical Gold (GOLD), Silver (ETPMAG), Platinum (ETPMPT), Palladium (ETPMPD) and Precious Metals Basket (ETPMPM) are issued by Global X Metal Securities Australia Limited, a corporate authorised representative (CAR No: 001274650) under Global X Management (AUS) Limited ('Global X') (AFSL 466778, ACN 150 433 828). This is general information only and not personal advice. This communication doesn't consider your personal circumstances or needs. Investors should consider whether Global X products are appropriate for them, obtain financial advice and read the disclosure statement (PDS) and target market determination (TMD) before making investment decisions. All PDSs and TMDs are available on our website: www.globalxetfs.com.au. Investment in any products issued by Global X is subject to risks, including possible delays in repayment and loss of income and principal invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This content may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any recipient for any purpose. Global X nor any of its affiliates make any warranty as to the accuracy of any data used or displayed in this communication or to the performance of any product. 

[1] Assets under management as at April 2025, Global X

[2] Assets under management as at June 2025, Mirae Asset Global Investments 

[3] Assets under management as at August 2025, Mirae Asset Global Investments