In a report from 2022, the esteemed accounting and consulting firm projected that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could contribute a staggering amount to the global economy by the year 2030. This remarkable projection has inevitably drawn the attention of investors, sparking interest in stocks that showcase promising returns.
The Current Landscape of AI Investments
Investors looking to tap into the promising growth of AI are currently directing their focus toward an index mirroring the performance of companies deeply entrenched in the fields of robotics and AI. Here, we present a list of seven top-performing stocks from this index, ordered by their one-year returns. It’s important to note that these figures are subject to weekly updates.
- Ticker: NVDA – Company: NVIDIA Corp – Performance (Year): 230.53%
- Ticker: SYM – Company: Symbotic Inc – Performance (Year): 197.62%
- Ticker: AI – Company: C3.ai Inc – Performance (Year): 91.09%
- Ticker: UPST – Company: Upstart Holdings Inc – Performance (Year): 76.81%
- Ticker: PATH – Company: UiPath Inc – Performance (Year): 57.14%
- Ticker: DT – Company: Dynatrace Inc – Performance (Year): 49.31%
- Ticker: PRO – Company: Pros Holdings Inc – Performance (Year): 44.71%
Understanding AI Investments
AI stocks fall into two main categories: firstly, there are the renowned blue-chip technology companies that have either invested in or established partnerships with AI developers; secondly, there are smaller experimental firms solely committed to AI advancement.
Although investing in shares of smaller AI developers may appear to be a direct play on AI, analysts suggest that it may not represent the most prudent AI investment strategy. Notably, substantial data and capital are imperative for the success of large language models, making mega-cap tech companies a more secure option for investors. These tech giants possess the necessary infrastructure to deploy AI models on a commercial scale. With such stable choices, investors can consider building a portfolio that aligns with their financial goals, ultimately paving the way for a future where I can retire comfortably.
Investing in AI
For those new to stock trading and interested in investing in AI, the first step is to open a brokerage account. Once this is established, investors must decide the level of AI exposure they desire. While individual AI stocks have the potential for high returns, they come with increased risk and upfront expenses and necessitate thorough research.
Another avenue for investing in AI is through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focusing on AI. Investors can explore ETFs tracking AI-related indexes, such as an index reflecting the performance of companies deeply involved in robotics and AI.
Finding AI ETFs
Investors can access AI stocks by considering exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that focus on a diversified portfolio of AI development and implementation companies. ETFs track various AI stock indexes, and investors can use an ETF screener to search for terms like artificial intelligence, machine learning, or AI. It is crucial to thoroughly research any ETF found through this method, as some may use AI-powered trading without necessarily investing in AI stocks.
The Potential AI Bubble
In early 2023, some small companies experienced rapid increases in their stock prices following any AI-related news. However, signs indicate that investors may be overly optimistic about the potential of AI. The term AI has been used as a buzzword to drive share prices, yet companies haven’t consistently demonstrated the usage of cutting-edge techniques.
In private markets, there’s a trend of substantial investments flowing into “AI” companies without a precise product-market fit. While investors justify these investments based on growth potential, monetizing this potential remains to be determined.
Analysts acknowledge that individual AI-linked companies have seen sharp valuation increases without significant changes in their business fundamentals. However, they argue that the current surge of interest in AI doesn’t necessarily indicate a bubble. Many technology stock indexes are still below their 2021 highs, suggesting the overall market sentiment isn’t in a bubble territory.
Considerations for Investors
Investors contemplating AI investments should exercise caution when considering individual stocks or narrowly focused ETFs. Targeted investments can be riskier than broader ones, such as index funds, which historically offer a long-term average annual return of about 10%, excluding inflation.
One guideline to limit extra risk is to allocate no more than a certain percentage of an overall portfolio to individual stocks. Investors can consider adding AI stocks to their diversified portfolios if they are financially secure enough to buy individual stocks. Understanding how machine learning impacts your stock portfolio is crucial. For investors who can navigate the volatility of individual stocks, AI-related companies can be a valuable addition to their portfolio.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the realm of AI investments presents exciting opportunities for investors, with the potential to contribute significantly to the global economy. It is essential to remain informed about AI investments to make the right choices.