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Semiconductors: Broadening growth beyond the AI surge

30 June 2026

Ryan Davies, CFA Senior Portfolio Manager

Michael P. Evans, CFA Managing Director, Equity Client Portfolio Manager

The semiconductor sector remains a key enabler of the global economy, underpinning artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and electrification. As highlighted in our earlier insights, it represents a broad ecosystem supported by structural demand and real infrastructure investment. Following strong year-to-date performance, we see growing conviction that momentum can extend into the second half of 2026 and into 2027, driven by earnings strength, sustained capital investment, and early-stage AI adoption.

Summary:

  • Semiconductors have led global equity markets in 2026 year-to-date, with broad-based gains across the value chain driven by strong fundamentals, earnings momentum, and sustained investment in AI infrastructure.
  • Momentum is expected to continue into the second half of 2026 and into 2027, supported by early-stage enterprise AI adoption, rising capital expenditure, and improving supply conditions.
  • Opportunities are expanding beyond AI into broader segments such as CPUs, power, connectivity, and equipment, reinforcing the case for diversified exposure across the semiconductor ecosystem.

 

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