So I've been looking at some of the best ETFs right now, and there's one that's been catching my attention — the Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). Let me break down why this might be worth a closer look.

First, the basics: it's a Vanguard fund, which means you're getting that low-cost structure they're known for. The expense ratio sits at just 0.09% annually. That's basically $9 per year on every $10,000 invested. In the world of ETFs, that's pretty hard to beat.

But here's where it gets interesting. Everyone's been talking about AI infrastructure, right? Well, the data center boom tied to AI is absolutely exploding — and these facilities need massive amounts of power. According to BloombergNEF's latest forecast, data center power demand is expected to hit 106 gigawatts by 2035, which is a 36% jump from their forecast just seven months ago. That's a serious shift in the energy landscape.

To put it in perspective, today only about 10% of data centers pull more than 50 megawatts. But over the next decade, new facilities are going to average well over 100 megawatts each. Some of the biggest ones will exceed 500 megawatts, and a few could hit 1 gigawatt. This kind of demand trajectory is exactly the kind of tailwind an energy-focused fund could benefit from.

Another thing worth mentioning: VDE pays a solid dividend. The recent yield is sitting around 3%, which isn't bad if you're looking to generate some passive income alongside potential appreciation.

Now, nothing's guaranteed — energy sectors have their own volatility and challenges. But if you're looking for some of the best ETFs to consider right now, especially ones positioned to capture structural trends like AI infrastructure growth, this one deserves to be on your radar. The combination of low fees, exposure to rising energy demand, and a respectable dividend makes it worth thinking about for a long-term portfolio.