Tech Portfolios Outperformed Benchmarks Over Decade
New performance data shows specific thematic investment portfolios delivered returns above major market indices since 2016.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Investing
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eToro released ten-year performance results for its thematic investment portfolios, highlighting that its technology and gaming offerings outpaced the Nasdaq-100 index. These results cover the period from 2016 through 2026.
Why it matters
The performance data illustrates how thematic investing, which focuses on long-term industry trends rather than individual company leadership, has compared against broader market benchmarks over the last decade. This allows retail investors to assess the historical role of such portfolios in their long-term savings and investment planning.
Over the ten-year period from 2016 to 2026, the technology and gaming portfolios returned 1,342% and 1,252% respectively, compared to the 636% return of the Nasdaq-100. During the same timeframe, the banking portfolio returned 333%, outperforming the S&P 500 at 326%.
The players
eToro
An investment platform offering retail users access to over 130 themed Smart Portfolios without management or performance fees.
The details
eToro manages over 130 portfolios that track companies exposed to specific industry themes, providing retail investors with access to these sectors through a single interface. These portfolios do not charge management or performance fees and have no lock-up periods for investors. Investors can view individual holdings, weighting, and performance data directly through the platform interface.
Timeline
2016-2026: The performance period of the referenced Smart Portfolios.
October 2026: eToro marks the ten-year anniversary of the portfolios.
Money Landscape
These thematic returns are presented against the backdrop of the Nasdaq-100 index, a standard benchmark for growth-oriented sectors. The data highlights a ten-year cycle where targeted industry themes reached significantly higher historical returns than diversified major market indices.
Investors should review their own portfolio allocations to determine if thematic investments align with their risk tolerance and long-term financial goals. Always discuss potential changes to your investment strategy with a qualified financial professional.
The takeaway
Historical thematic performance can provide useful context for evaluating how focused industry bets may influence your overall portfolio returns. Regularly reviewing your asset allocation and the fee structure of any investment vehicle remains a critical step for all long-term savers.
Further reading
For more on long-term strategy, explore our guide to Investing.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al Bawaba.
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