27 April 2026
Ryan Davies, CFA Senior Portfolio Manager
Michael P. Evans, CFA Managing Director, Equity Client Portfolio Manager


Semiconductors have been one of the strongest parts of global equity markets so far in 2026, with performance supported by a powerful mix of demand and improving fundamentals. The headlines have focused on artificial intelligence (AI), but the opportunity set is broader than a single theme or a handful of companies. As AI infrastructure expands, it is driving investment not only in high-performance computing chips, but also in the networking and power technologies that keep modern data centres running. At the same time, parts of the industry outside AI are showing early signs of stabilisation and recovery.
Real assets and the infrastructure behind AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often positioned as a story of models and applications, but its growth depends heavily on something far more tangible. Real assets such as data centres, power grids, and raw materials form the physical that supports AI development. As structural forces reshape the investment landscape, real assets are emerging as an enabler of the AI buildout.
AI innovation: Asia helps build many of the world’s technologies behind it
When electricity first arrived, the world built the necessary infrastructure – power plants, transmission lines – before the real transformation could take hold. A similar process is happening with artificial intelligence (AI). Today's massive investment in chips, data centres, and power grids is laying the foundation for a potential expansion in AI application that could take years to develop. In our view, the discussion is increasingly shifting from whether AI adoption will continue to how the enabling infrastructure is being built. Asia appears to be playing an important role in that development.
The engine behind AI: Semiconductors are fuelling the next era of technology
Semiconductors belong to one of the most specialised yet globally integrated industry chains. From design, equipment, and materials to manufacturing and commercialisation, the production of a smartphone chip alone spans many countries across continents, creating tremendous opportunities for companies, consumers, and investors. With semiconductors increasingly becoming the backbone of an artificial intelligence (AI) race few are prepared for, understanding this sector is key to unlocking where the next wave of technology competition is heading.
Real assets and the infrastructure behind AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is often positioned as a story of models and applications, but its growth depends heavily on something far more tangible. Real assets such as data centres, power grids, and raw materials form the physical that supports AI development. As structural forces reshape the investment landscape, real assets are emerging as an enabler of the AI buildout.
AI innovation: Asia helps build many of the world’s technologies behind it
When electricity first arrived, the world built the necessary infrastructure – power plants, transmission lines – before the real transformation could take hold. A similar process is happening with artificial intelligence (AI). Today's massive investment in chips, data centres, and power grids is laying the foundation for a potential expansion in AI application that could take years to develop. In our view, the discussion is increasingly shifting from whether AI adoption will continue to how the enabling infrastructure is being built. Asia appears to be playing an important role in that development.
The engine behind AI: Semiconductors are fuelling the next era of technology
Semiconductors belong to one of the most specialised yet globally integrated industry chains. From design, equipment, and materials to manufacturing and commercialisation, the production of a smartphone chip alone spans many countries across continents, creating tremendous opportunities for companies, consumers, and investors. With semiconductors increasingly becoming the backbone of an artificial intelligence (AI) race few are prepared for, understanding this sector is key to unlocking where the next wave of technology competition is heading.