If You’re Investing in the AI Theme for the Long Haul, Here’s How to Pick the Winners
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the investment landscape, particularly after the seismic shift caused by the introduction of technologies like ChatGPT in late 2022, investors are eagerly hunting for ways to capitalize on this burgeoning sector. The allure has only grown as certain technology giants, often referred to as the Magnificent Seven—including Tesla, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Nvidia—have significantly buoyed the market’s rally well into 2023 and beyond. Yet, as with all investment waves, the surges of success have their crests and troughs, evidenced by a notable dip in the Nasdaq Composite, pulled down by these very tech behemoths.
Jay Woods, chief global strategist at a financial firm, reminds us that diligent research is key. With AI, the territory is both vast and uncharted, brimming with potential yet fraught with risks. This innovative horizon—from early victors making groundbreaking strides to second-stage adherents carving out their niche—compels a proactive, discerning approach to investment.
To navigate this emerging field, investors are advised to vigilantly monitor companies’ fiscal health, particularly their expenditure patterns and cash burn rates. It’s also critical to assess a firm’s operational capabilities, such as backlog management and infrastructural investments. Special attention given to the semiconductor industry, buoyed by government initiatives like the CHIPS Act, can also uncover lucrative opportunities, showcasing the importance of keeping abreast with relevant legislation and its beneficiaries, such as Samsung Electronics and Intel.
In the quest for AI investment opportunities, experts caution against the allure of quick winners propelled by the initial excitement. There’s wisdom in exploring established corporations like Microsoft and IBM, which are adapting and thriving amidst the digital revolution.
A vital strategy in building a robust investment portfolio, especially within the volatile domain of AI, is diversification. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) offer a pragmatic avenue to achieve this, spreading risk across a basket of potential winners instead of betting on a single name. Experts like Marguerita Cheng and Carol Schleif recommend well-regarded ETFs such as the Global X Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (BOTZ), the First Trust Nasdaq AI and Robotics ETF (ROBT), and the Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) as means to gain broad exposure to this dynamic sector.
However, with opportunity comes the specter of volatility—a hallmark of nascent trends. Notable instances include significant price corrections, like Nvidia’s sharp decline, underscoring the importance of resilience and long-term perspective in AI investment. ETFs, despite potentially lagging behind the explosive growth of individual stocks, offer a balanced, lower-risk profile beneficial for those looking to weather the inevitable ebbs and flows of the market.
For a successful foray into the AI investment theme, experts advise seeking ETFs characterized by high trading volumes and low fees, and those supported by reputable firms. This strategy not only mitigates risk but also sets the stage for identifying and investing in individual standout names over time, marrying the wisdom of diversification with the potential for significant gains.
In sum, the AI investment landscape is marked by both exhilarating prospects and formidable challenges. A judicious approach—anchored in thorough research, a focus on fundamental value, and strategic diversification—can navigate enthusiasts through the unpredictability towards discerning, and potentially rewarding, investment choices.
