5 Growth ETFs That Make Millionaires (2 Are NEW)

BWB - Business With Brian•Aug 9, 2026

Summary

Brian argues that the fear of investing at a market peak is often misplaced, demonstrating that even investors with the worst possible timing in the S&P 500 have historically achieved double-digit annual returns by simply holding their positions. Brian states that the real challenge for investors is not timing the entry, but having the discipline to leave the investment alone during significant drawdowns. To build a robust growth portfolio, Brian presents a five-ETF strategy that balances core stability with thematic technology bets, specifically focusing on the AI buildout and space economy.

Brian states that he structures his portfolio by placing long-term 'core' holdings in taxable accounts and more cyclical or volatile thematic holdings in tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs) to allow for rebalancing without immediate tax consequences. Brian argues against including popular funds like QQQ if an investor already owns the S&P 500 and a semiconductor fund, as the overlap makes it a redundant 'remix' of existing positions rather than a new diversification tool.

VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF): Brian states this is the 'floor' of his portfolio and his most 'boring' but essential holding, providing a 15.5% annual return over the last decade. Brian argues that because it is market-cap weighted and automatically rebalances, it is the perfect set-it-and-forget-it asset for a taxable brokerage account. Brian recommends this as the foundation that allows for more 'violent' growth in other parts of the portfolio.

SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF): Brian argues this is his highest conviction growth holding, focusing on the 25 largest US-listed semiconductor companies. Brian states that while it is volatile—having experienced multiple drops of 27% or worse—its 34% annual return over the last decade significantly outperforms the S&P 500. Brian notes the fund's 20% cap on single holdings ensures it 'cleans itself' by selling winners to reinvest in the rest of the sector.

DRAM (Roundhill Memory ETF): Brian states that memory chips are the next major bottleneck in the AI buildout, with demand forecast to compound at 25% annually. Brian argues that this fund is the cleanest way to gain exposure to key players like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix. Because the memory industry is cyclical, Brian recommends holding this in an IRA to facilitate easier selling when supply eventually catches up with demand.

NASA (Procure Space Innovators ETF): Brian argues that the commercial space economy is a $600 billion industry that most portfolios ignore, making this fund a unique diversifier with zero overlap with his other holdings. Brian states that while the fund is down 40% from its May peak, it represents a much better entry point now for long-term investors. Brian suggests keeping this as a small position in an IRA due to its high volatility and the fact that many constituent companies are not yet profitable.

QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF): Brian states that this equal-weighted fund provides exposure to 89 companies involved in quantum computing and machine learning. Brian argues its 1% weighting per company acts as insurance against picking the wrong individual winners while providing access to foreign listings like MediaTek. Brian recommends this for an IRA to manage the inherent ups and downs of the emerging quantum space.