249: Thematic Investing in 2026: AI, Defense, Infrastructure, and the Next Phase of Market Transformation
The Bid13 Feb

249: Thematic Investing in 2026: AI, Defense, Infrastructure, and the Next Phase of Market Transformation

Thematic investing is increasingly shaping how investors interpret markets heading into 2026, as artificial intelligence, geopolitical fragmentation, and infrastructure constraints intersect across the global economy.

Jay Jacobs, Head of U.S. Equity ETFs at BlackRock, joins Oscar to discuss why mega forces are becoming harder to ignore—and harder to diversify away from—than in past market cycles. Their conversation explores how AI investing is evolving from a growth narrative into one focused on usage intensity, how national security considerations are reshaping the definition of defense, and why physical infrastructure is emerging as a critical market constraint.

Key insights include:

· Why thematic investing is gaining relevance alongside sector and style frameworks

· How AI usage intensity reframes the AI investment conversation

· Where infrastructure and energy constraints may influence adoption timelines

· How geopolitical fragmentation is expanding the definition of defense

· Why overlapping mega forces may shape market outcomes into 2026


Key moments in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Thematic Investing in 2026: AI and Market Forces

00:40 The Rise of Thematic Investing

01:43 Deep Dive into AI's Market Impact

05:22 Understanding Token Consumption

07:55 Evaluating AI Investments

11:12 Geopolitical Fragmentation and Defense

13:51 Infrastructure's Evolving Role

16:42 Future of AI and Broader Implications

18:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thematic investing, AI investing, Capital markets, Infrastructure, Megaforces, Stock market trends, Geopolitical fragmentation, Defense spending

Sources: iShares Thematic Outlook, 2026

This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.


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