ZACKS·2026-01-20 14:51Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a speculative trend to a significant economic driver, with expectations of continued growth through 2026 [2][3] - The investment landscape is shifting towards AI-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which provide a strategic avenue for investors to capitalize on the expanding capital expenditures and productivity improvements in the AI sector [4] Investment Trends - Goldman Sachs predicts that capital spending by AI-related companies will reach $527 billion in 2026, up from an earlier estimate of $465 billion, indicating a robust growth trajectory [5] - The current phase of AI investment is characterized by major players like Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta aggressively expanding their data center infrastructures, which includes a wide range of supporting technologies [5][9] - The focus is transitioning from infrastructure to AI-enabled revenue models, with software and services firms beginning to demonstrate tangible productivity gains for enterprise clients [6] Market Dynamics - The AI bull market is broadening, with growth extending beyond a few dominant companies to include sectors such as utilities, construction, and specialized semiconductor firms [7] - Predictions suggest that the global AI market will exceed one trillion dollars by 2030, driven by advancements in generative AI, cloud computing, and infrastructure [8] AI ETFs Performance - AI-focused ETFs are experiencing significant investor interest, with a survey indicating that 93% of AI investors plan to maintain or increase their investments [10] - Individual stock selection in the AI sector has become riskier due to market volatility, prompting a shift towards diversified AI ETFs as a safer investment strategy [11] Specific AI ETFs - iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI): Assets of $8.52 billion, exposure to 42 AI and tech equities, top holdings include Nvidia (8.19%), Broadcom (7.45%), and Alphabet (4.67%), with a 23.7% gain over the past year [12][13] - Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ): Net assets of $7.82 billion, exposure to 86 companies, top holdings include Alphabet (4.47%) and Micron Technology (3.77%), with a 30.9% gain over the past year [14][15] - iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY): Net assets of $2.19 billion, exposure to 86 companies in AI innovation, top holdings include Micron Technology (6.38%) and Taiwan Semiconductor (4.99%), with a 30.1% gain over the past year [16] - Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF (CHAT): Assets of $1.03 billion, exposure to 49 companies in AI and generative AI, top holdings include Alphabet (6.77%) and Nvidia (6.59%), with a 43% gain over the past year [17]