Why 60% of Americans Believe AI Stocks Will Deliver Strong Long-Term Returns

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights the contrasting perspectives on AI stocks, with a significant portion of the American population believing in their long-term potential despite warnings of an "AI bubble" [1][2][6] - The Motley Fool's 2026 AI Investor Outlook Report indicates that 62% of Americans believe companies heavily investing in AI will yield strong long-term returns, with younger investors showing the most confidence [4][6] - Younger investors, particularly 67% of Gen Z and 63% of Millennials, are optimistic about AI's potential, while only 50% of older investors share this confidence [4][6] Group 2 - A notable 93% of Americans who currently own AI stocks or ETFs express confidence in the technology's ability to deliver long-term returns [5][6] - Younger Americans have experienced AI technology firsthand, recognizing its transformative potential in business and the economy, which contributes to their investment confidence [8] - As AI reasoning models improve, companies benefiting from AI-driven optimization are expected to generate superior returns, indicating a positive outlook for businesses supporting AI infrastructure [9]