Where Investment Themes Intersect and Beat Markets

Global markets in 2026 are being reshaped by the convergence of artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, and geopolitical self-sufficiency. AI capability has reached a step change, evidenced by a 250% surge in weekly token usage since January, pushing compute demand beyond available supply. This technological acceleration is transforming the labor market, with 90% of occupations impacted through a mix of role augmentation and a projected 4% net job loss. Crucially, AI growth is now tethered to energy availability, as global data center power demand is expected to rise by 130 gigawatts by 2028, potentially leaving the U.S. with a 20% power shortfall. These shifts are further complicated by a multipolar world where conflicts and a push for national sovereignty over critical minerals and energy systems dictate market performance. Investment themes aligned with these intersections, such as AI infrastructure and energy security, continue to outperform the S&P 500 by significant margins.