Transformational innovation opportunities

We expect further upside for stocks exposed to artificial intelligence, with growth in investment leading to growth in applications. Rising energy demand will create opportunities in power and resources.

24 Jan 2025

We expect significant and sustained profit growth in the transformational innovation opportunities of (1) Artificial intelligence and (2) Power and resources. By investing in these areas, we believe investors can earn strong long-term returns.

Sieze the AI opportunity

We continue to see upside in stocks linked to artificial intelligence. We expect high rates of investment in AI to soon be followed by growth in applications, and expect companies across the AI value chain to generate more than USD 1.1 trillion in revenue by 2027. Investors should focus on both listed megacaps and innovative private companies to capitalize. Some listed technology companies with AI exposure are also well positioned in quantum hardware and computing, offering a potential further leg to growth over the longer-term.

We expect artificial intelligence to be one of the most important investment opportunities of the decade. We expect high rates of investment to soon be followed by growth in applications, and we expect companies across the AI value chain to generate more than USD 1.1 trillion in revenue by 2027, just five years after the onset of ChatGPT. Investors should focus on both listed megacaps and innovative private companies to capitalize.

Spending on artificial intelligence has increased sharply in recent years.

We estimate that four tech companies (Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft) will spend USD 280bn on AI capex in 2025 alone—a 25% year-over-year growth rate. That has been supporting significant growth in earnings for AI chip companies and cloud service providers, both of which are in the enabling layer of the AI value chain.

But we believe there is more room to grow.

The infographic shows the Big 4 megacaps' capex by year, in USD. UBS estimates for 2020, 2023, 2024E, and 2025E are annotated with USD 95bn, USD 148bn, USD 222bn and USD 267bn, respectively. This suggests that rising capex by big tech is likley to bode well for the enabling layer of AI. Source: The data is sourced from Bloomberg, Factset and UBS, as of November 2024.

By 2027, just five years after the onset of ChatGPT, we expect the enabling layer to generate USD 516 billion in revenue, with AI chip companies and cloud service providers likely to capture most of this value.

We expect strong growth in revenues in the intelligence layer—i.e., large language models—too.

And by 2027, we also expect a directly addressable market of USD 395bn in revenue opportunities for the application layer. We anticipate successful generative AI applications across a range of industries, including in health care, cybersecurity, and fintech.

The commercial effects of AI adoption could range from shorter drug discovery cycles (health care), to lower cost bases (financials) and greater demand for security and infrastructure safety (cybersecurity).

The illustration shows revenues for the three layers of AI and CIO's expected revenues for each layer in 2027: For the enabling layer, USD 331bn for infrastructure and USD 185bn for cloud. For the intelligence layer, USD 255bn. And USD 395bn for the application layer. The illustration suggests that from a bottom-up perspective AI is an attractive market opportunity. Source: The data is sourced from UBS, as of November 2024.

How should investors position?

First, investors should ensure they are sufficiently invested. The sheer pace of growth in the industry means that investors who were underallocated before have become even more underallocated. We believe a neutral allocation to artificial intelligence would involve allocating around 25% of an equity portfolio to stocks with a high degree of exposure to the technology.
Second, for now, tilt toward the enabling layer. We believe this segment currently offers the best mix of attractive and visible earnings growth profiles, strong competitive positioning, and reasonable valuations. We favor the semiconductor companies that benefit from the current investment in AI infrastructure. This includes not only leading US fabless chip designers, but also Taiwanese foundries with a strong technological edge and limited substitution risk posed by competitors, enabling them to better mitigate any potential tariff hikes. We believe specific opportunities in the application layer will become clearer over the coming years.
Third, diversify investments between listed megacaps and innovative private companies. The AI rush so far has been highly beneficial for the largest tech firms. We believe this is a feature of the new AI investment landscape, and we expect an oligopoly of vertically integrated “foundries” and monolithic players to dominate. Alongside leading US-listed platform names, we see value in China’s large-cap internet platforms that are investing heavily in AI and rolling out new AI-based services across their offerings. But we also see appealing opportunities in non-listed companies in areas including LLMs, software, and data centers, for investors willing and able to bear the risks inherent in private market investing, including illiquidity.

Invest in power and resources

A mixture of economic development, decarbonization, and AI advancements is boosting electricity demand. We believe this creates opportunity across the power and resources value chain, including in utilities, infrastructure, power equipment, and storage. We also see long-term opportunities in copper and in other transition metals as demand increases alongside rising investment in power generation, storage, and electric vehicles.

The rise of AI data centers, industrial electrification, electric vehicles, and global climate goals is increasing electricity demand. We estimate that electrifying the economy will require USD 3 trillion annually by 2030, benefiting companies in power and resource innovation.

The electrification value chain includes raw materials, generation, storage, transmission, distribution, and consumption (e.g., data centers, transport, heating, and cooling). Currently, we believe the best opportunities are in transmission, distribution, data centers, transport, and energy storage.

Consumption: Data centers as growth accelerators

Large AI data centers are significantly boosting electricity demand. A single NVIDIA GB200 GPU can consume as much power as an average US household in a year, and a server rack can hold 72 GPUs. Cooling a modern hyperscale facility can require transferring heat equivalent to melting 40,000 tons of ice daily. The Electric Power Research Institute projects data centers could use up to 9% of US electricity by 2030, up from 4% today. We also expect growth in electric transport, heating, cooling, and energy efficiency equipment.

The bar chart shows Goldman Sachs' estimates for energy consumption by data centers globally, from 2018 up to 2030. The chart also includes the International Energy Agency's (IEA) base case estimates for energy consumption from data centers, cryptocurrencies and AI for 2022 and 2026. With estimates for each passing year exceeding that of previous years, this suggests that energy consumption is set to rise amid growth in data centers due to AI adoption. Source: The data is sourced from Masanet et al. (2020), Cisco, IEA, Goldman Sachs, UBS, as of November 2024.

Transmission and distribution: Strong growth ahead

We anticipate the transmission and distribution segment to experience the strongest growth within the electrification value chain. A decade of underinvestment has left grids in developed markets needing significant upgrades. Emerging markets also require extensive buildout to meet rising electricity demands. The shift toward smaller, less centralized generation necessitates further investments in grid modernization, including sensors, digital technologies, and load management software. Also, as the electric intensity of households and businesses increases, more equipment, transformers, and switchgear will be needed.

Raw materials: Demand for transition metals

Electrification and renewable energy will increase demand for metals like copper and aluminum, in our view, which are crucial for electrical components and renewable technologies. Companies with strong resource bases and efficient production are likely to benefit.

Generation and energy storage: Challenging fundamentals

We expect long-term growth in electric generation technologies, including renewables, natural gas/hydrogen, and nuclear energy. However, developing new capacity is complex and time intensive owing to land, capital, financing, and grid management needs. Equipment demand could lead to excess capacity, and tariffs may affect supply chains. Companies with strong financial health and competitive advantages in solar, wind, nuclear, and natural gas-hydrogen technologies should be prioritized. Although not without risks, emerging technologies like advanced battery storage and small modular nuclear reactors can offer immediate growth opportunities.

The illustration shows the electrification value chain: from raw materials to generation and transmission & distribution (the energy storage part of the chain) to consumption. It is used to explain how investment opportunities can be found across the entire value chain of the electrification process. It is sourced from UBS.

Watch the video

We're not just witnessing change in the world, we're living through a period of transformation. UBS GWM CIO Head of Global Equities Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi shares where we see "Transformational Innovation Opportunities" (TRIOs).

More investment ideas

Lock in yields

24 Jan 2025

We believe that high grade and investment grade bonds offer compelling risk-reward, and we expect mid-to-high single digit returns for medium duration bonds in US dollar terms over the next 12 months. We also believe investors should pursue means of diversifying and boosting portfolio income, including through diversified fixed income strategies, senior loans and private credit, and through equity income strategies. In relative value, we like UK gilts relative to French OATs.

More to go in stocks

24 Jan 2025

We expect the S&P 500 to reach 6,600 by the end of 2025, 10% higher than current levels. The potential imposition of tariffs could lead to volatility in the short term, but we believe that strong US economic growth and structural tailwinds from AI should be supportive. We also see value in maintaining diversified exposure to Asia ex-Japan. In Europe, we like EMU small- and mid-cap stocks and Swiss high-quality dividend stocks.

Harvest currency volatility

24 Jan 2025

Higher volatility in currency markets provides the opportunity to boost portfolio income and earn additional yields in exchange for agreeing to make currency conversions at specific prices. Over the next 1-3 months, we like picking up yield by selling the upside in EURUSD and downside in USDCHF. Over the next six months, we like selling upside in CHFJPY, EURGBP, and EURAUD, and downside in GBPUSD, GBPCHF, and AUDUSD. While the US dollar may remain well bid in the near term, we expect modest weakness over the balance of 2025. Meanwhile, we believe yen and pound weakness may be approaching their limits.

Moving light streaks in front of New York City skyline

Go for gold

24 Jan 2025

We expect gold to resume its rally in 2025. We expect the trend of central bank reserve asset diversification to continue, while geopolitical risks, government debt concerns, and inflation uncertainty are contributing to robust investor demand. We expect prices to rise to USD 2,850/oz by the end of the year. We also expect upside for silver prices in 2025.

Time for real estate

24 Jan 2025

We believe the outlook for global residential and commercial real estate investments is bright. With constrained supply and rising demand, we see opportunities in sectors such as logistics, data centers, and multifamily housing. Investors should focus on quality assets and strategic diversification to capitalize on these favorable market dynamics.

Explore more of the Year Ahead 2025 report

In our base case, we expect sustained economic growth in the US, supported by healthy consumption, loose fiscal policy, and lower interest rates. Tariff threats are a headwind for Asia and Europe. If imposed, they could be partially offset by reactive stimulus measures in China. We expect growth in Europe to modestly improve as interest rates fall

A Trump presidency, coupled with Republican control of Congress, has the potential to reshape the global economic and geopolitical landscape. Key policy areas in focus for investors include tariffs, fiscal policy, deregulation, monetary policy, and international relations.

Read more about the Year Ahead

The 5Ds—debt, deglobalization, demographics, decarbonization, and digitalization—will be significant forces in the decade ahead that present opportunities and risks for investors. In aggregate, we expect them to lead to higher growth and periods of higher inflation over the long term.

Since the beginning of the decade, cash returns have struggled to surpass inflation and bonds have faced headwinds from rising interest rates. In contrast, equities have thrived, and private markets and commodities have offered robust returns. Looking ahead, we expect equities and private markets to continue to offer the highest potential returns.

Read more about the Decade Ahead

Entering 2025, we believe stocks still have more to go, with our base case expectations of growth (despite tariffs), lower interest rates, and AI advancements. In fixed income, we think there is an opportunity to lock in yields for quality bonds. In currencies, while the dollar may remain strong in the short term, we believe it is looking stretched and advocate for selling it at further strength. We also like gold as a diversifier. Finally, we think the global real estate outlook looks promising.

Taking a step back, while these investment ideas present compelling cases for immediate action, developing a strategic plan that links goals with strategies can improve investors’ chance of success and help them stay focused on the bigger picture amid potential market turbulence.

Explore all our Top investment ideas

We aim to provide the direction of travel for the economy and asset classes against a wide range of market outcomes ahead. The upside scenario would see lower taxes, deregulation, and trade deals adding to a positive market narrative built on solid growth and continued investment in artificial intelligence, while the risk scenario is that trade tariffs, excessive fiscal deficits, and geopolitical strife will contribute to higher inflation, weaker growth, and market volatility.

Check out our Forecasts

Back to Year Ahead 2025 homepage

Download the PDF

In this Year Ahead, we look at key developments that we believe will shape the next stage of these “Roaring 20s,” including US political change, falling interest rates, and transformational innovation in artificial intelligence and in power and resources.

Download the PDF

Disclaimers

Year Ahead 2025 – UBS House View
Chief Investment Office GWM | Investment Research

This report has been prepared by UBS AG, UBS AG London Branch, UBS Switzerland AG, UBS Financial Services Inc. (UBS FS), UBS AG Singapore Branch, UBS AG Hong Kong Branch, and UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Management Co., Ltd.

Global asset class preferences definitions

The asset class preferences provide high-level guidance to make investment decisions. The preferences reflect the collective judgement of the members of the House View meeting, primarily based on assessments of expected total returns on liquid, commonly known indexes, House View scenarios, and analyst convictions over the next 12 months. Note that the tactical asset allocation (TAA) positioning of our different investment strategies may differ from these views due to factors including portfolio construction, concentration, and borrowing constraints.

Attractive: We consider this asset class to be attractive. Consider opportunities in this asset class.
Neutral: We do not expect outsized returns or losses. Hold longer-term exposure.
Unattractive: We consider this asset class to be unattractive. Consider alternative opportunities.

Note: For equities, we have collapsed “Most Attractive” with “Attractive” and “Least Attractive” with “Unattractive” from the five-tier rating system that is found in the Equity Compass into 3 tiers.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

This report contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements,” including but not limited to statements relating to the current and expected state of the securities market and capital market assumptions. While these forward-looking statements represent our judgments and future expectations concerning the matters discussed in this document, a number of risks, uncertainties, changes in the market, and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to (1) the extent and nature of future developments in the US market and in other market segments; (2) other market and macroeconomic developments, including movements in local and international securities markets, credit spreads, currency exchange rates and interest rates, whether or not arising directly or indirectly from the current market crisis; (3) the impact of these developments on other markets and asset classes. UBS is not under any obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Emerging Market Investments

Investors should be aware that Emerging Market assets are subject to, among others, potential risks linked to currency volatility, abrupt changes in the cost of capital and the economic growth outlook, as well as regulatory and sociopolitical risk, interest rate risk and higher credit risk. Assets can sometimes be very illiquid and liquidity conditions can abruptly worsen. CIO GWM generally recommends only those securities it believes have been registered under Federal US registration rules (Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) and individual State registration rules (commonly known as “Blue Sky” laws). Prospective investors should be aware that to the extent permitted under US law, CIO GWM may from time to time recommend bonds that are not registered under US or State securities laws. These bonds may be issued in jurisdictions where the level of required disclosures to be made by issuers is not as frequent or complete as that required by US laws.

Investors interested in holding bonds for a longer period are advised to select the bonds of those sovereigns with the highest credit ratings (in the investment-grade band). Such an approach should decrease the risk that an investor could end up holding bonds on which the sovereign has defaulted. Subinvestment-grade bonds are recommended only for clients with a higher risk tolerance and who seek to hold higher-yielding bonds for shorter periods only.

Nontraditional Assets

Nontraditional asset classes are alternative investments that include hedge funds, private equity, real estate, and managed futures (collectively, alternative investments). Interests of alternative investment funds are sold only to qualified investors, and only by means of offering documents that include information about the risks, performance and expenses of alternative investment funds, and which clients are urged to read carefully before subscribing and retain. An investment in an alternative investment fund is speculative and involves significant risks. Specifically, these investments (1) are not mutual funds and are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds; (2) may have performance that is volatile, and investors may lose all or a substantial amount of their investment; (3) may engage in leverage and other speculative investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss; (4) are long-term, illiquid investments; there is generally no secondary market for the interests of a fund, and none is expected to develop; (5) interests of alternative investment funds typically will be illiquid and subject to restrictions on transfer; (6) may not be required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors; (7) generally involve complex tax strategies and there may be delays in distributing tax information to investors; (8) are subject to high fees, including management fees and other fees and expenses, all of which will reduce profits.

Interests in alternative investment funds are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board, or any other governmental agency. Prospective investors should understand these risks and have the financial ability and willingness to accept them for an extended period of time before making an investment in an alternative investment fund, and should consider an alternative investment fund as a supplement to an overall investment program.

In addition to the risks that apply to alternative investments generally, the following are additional risks related to an investment in these strategies:

Hedge Fund Risk: There are risks specifically associated with investing in hedge funds, which may include risks associated with investing in short sales, options, small-cap stocks, “junk bonds,” derivatives, distressed securities, non-US securities and illiquid investments.
Managed Futures: There are risks specifically associated with investing in managed futures programs. For example, not all managers focus on all strategies at all times, and managed futures strategies may have material directional elements.
Real Estate: There are risks specifically associated with investing in real estate products and real estate investment trusts. They involve risks associated with debt, adverse changes in general economic or local market conditions, changes in governmental, tax, real estate and zoning laws or regulations, risks associated with capital calls and, for some real estate products, the risks associated with the ability to qualify for favorable treatment under the federal tax laws.
Private Equity: There are risks specifically associated with investing in private equity. Capital calls can be made on short notice, and the failure to meet capital calls can result in significant adverse consequences including, but not limited to, a total loss of investment.
Foreign Exchange/Currency Risk: Investors in securities of issuers located outside of the United States should be aware that even for securities denominated in US dollars, changes in the exchange rate between the US dollar and the issuer’s “home” currency can have unexpected effects on the market value and liquidity of those securities. Those securities may also be affected by other risks (such as political, economic or regulatory changes) that may not be readily known to a US investor.

CIO research disclaimer

Skip Links