Data center stocks offer investors exposure to growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and digital services.
As technology companies expand their computing capacity, data center operators stand to benefit from demand for additional space, electricity and connectivity.
However, the sector also faces risks from high capital expenditure, financing costs and changing valuations.
For investors seeking this exposure through exchange-traded funds (ETFs), Finbold has identified two options worth considering in October 2026.
Both provide targeted exposure to digital infrastructure, with different portfolio approaches and annual expense ratios below or around 0.50%.
Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF (NASDAQ: DTCR)
DTCR offers exposure to data centers and the broader digital infrastructure supporting AI and cloud computing. The ETF had approximately $2 billion in assets as of October 13, 2026, with 27 reported holdings and an annual expense ratio of 0.50%.
Its portfolio combines data center real estate with technology and infrastructure companies. Real estate accounted for approximately 49.7% of the portfolio, while information technology represented 26.1%, according to reported sector allocations.
Major holdings include Digital Realty Trust (NYSE: DLR), which owns and operates data center properties, and Equinix (NASDAQ: EQIX), which provides data center and colocation services. American Tower (NYSE: AMT), a communications infrastructure owner, also provides exposure to the networks supporting digital connectivity.
DTCR’s appeal lies in its focus on infrastructure required to support growing computing workloads.
As AI adoption increases demand for computing capacity, data center operators may benefit from additional leasing activity and infrastructure investment.
However, the opportunity depends on customer demand, available power, construction costs and the profitability of new facilities.
Notably, DTCR charges 0.50% annually, equivalent to $5 per year for every $1,000 invested, excluding trading costs and other potential expenses.
Pacer Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA: SRVR)
SRVR offers another route into the digital infrastructure sector, with a stronger emphasis on real estate and infrastructure ownership. The fund had approximately $351 million in assets as of September 2026 and reported 77 holdings.
Its annual expense ratio is 0.49%, or $4.90 per year per $1,000 invested, excluding trading costs and other potential expenses.
Major holdings include Digital Realty Trust, Equinix and American Tower, which provide exposure to data center properties, colocation services and communications infrastructure.
The three holdings collectively accounted for approximately 47% of SRVR’s portfolio in early September 2026, giving their performance a substantial influence on the fund’s returns despite its larger number of reported positions.
SRVR may appeal to investors seeking exposure to property owners and infrastructure operators benefiting from demand for digital capacity.
Data center leasing and infrastructure demand can create opportunities for revenue growth, while some underlying companies also pay dividends. However, distributions and yields fluctuate and are not guaranteed.
Meanwhile, key risks include higher borrowing costs, interest-rate sensitivity, and declining property valuations.
SRVR’s relatively small asset base is another consideration, as having concentration in major holdings also means that a larger number of securities does not necessarily eliminate company-specific or sector risks.
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