As the global Artificial Intelligence race intensifies, investors are increasingly shifting focus from AI software companies to the infrastructure powering the revolution. One exchange traded fund that has emerged as a major proxy for this theme is the Global X ETFs product, the Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF, traded under the ticker DTCR in the US markets.
The ETF has gained attention because it offers exposure to the companies building and operating the physical backbone of the digital economy including data centres, telecom towers, fibre networks and AI infrastructure.
What is DTCR?
The Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF seeks to track the Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index. The fund primarily invests in companies involved in:
- Data centre REITs
- Digital infrastructure
- Telecom tower operators
- Connectivity infrastructure
- Cloud and AI ecosystem enablers
The ETF was launched in October 2020 and has rapidly grown alongside the global boom in cloud computing and generative AI. The primary exchange where DTCR is available is Nasdaq.
Why has DTCR become popular?
The explosive growth in AI applications such as ChatGPT, enterprise AI, machine learning and cloud computing has sharply increased demand for:
- GPU-heavy computing
- High power data centres
- Low latency digital infrastructure
- Edge computing
- Fibre connectivity
Every AI model requires massive computing power and storage capacity. This has created a global investment cycle in data centre infrastructure.
Global X itself describes DTCR as a way to invest in “AI-tuned digital infrastructure.”
Key features of the ETF
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| ETF Name | Global X Data Center & Digital Infrastructure ETF |
| Ticker | DTCR |
| Exchange | NASDAQ |
| Launch Date | October 27, 2020 |
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% |
| Assets Under Management | Around $1.9 billion as of May 15, 2026 |
| Investment Theme | Data centres and digital infrastructure |
| Index Tracked | Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index |
What does DTCR invest In?
The ETF holds companies that form the backbone of the internet and AI economy. Major holdings typically include:
- Equinix
- Digital Realty
- American Tower
- Crown Castle
- NEXTDC, among others.
The above names own more than 50% of the net assets of the ETF. These companies own hyperscale data centres, telecom towers, interconnection hubs and cloud infrastructure critical for AI workloads.
Performance momentum
DTCR has delivered strong returns amid the AI investment wave. According to Global X data, the ETF generated:
- More than 47% one year NAV returns as of March 2026
- Over 100% cumulative return in the last two years in some periods
- Strong outperformance driven by AI infrastructure demand
The ETF has also benefited from massive global capex announcements by companies like:
- Microsoft
- Amazon
- Meta
These technology giants are spending billions on AI data centres globally.
Why data centres matter in the AI era
AI models require:
- Enormous electricity
- High performance chips
- Massive storage
- Ultra-fast networking
As a result, data centres are no longer viewed as simple real estate assets. They are increasingly being treated as strategic infrastructure similar to power plants or telecom networks.
This trend is also visible in India, where companies like:
- Reliance Industries
- Adani Group
- Bharti Airtel
are investing aggressively in AI-ready data centre infrastructure.
Risks
Despite strong growth potential, DTCR carries certain risks:
- Rising interest rates can pressure REIT valuations
- High energy costs may impact data centre profitability
- AI infrastructure spending could slow if tech demand weakens
- The ETF is relatively concentrated in a niche theme
In addition, digital infrastructure companies require heavy capital expenditure and long gestation periods.
