Skip to main content
Back

Global tech and semiconductors: what’s been driving returns and what to watch next

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.

Key points:

  • Semiconductors have led global markets in 2026, outperforming broader equities, with gains across multiple chip segments.
  • AI infrastructure is the main driver, lifting demand for compute, networking, and power-related chips.
  • Recovery is uneven beyond AI: industrial and auto are improving, while PCs and smartphones remain challenged.
  • Supply chains are becoming more resilient and localised, supporting ongoing investment in manufacturing and equipment.
  • Opportunities appear in connectivity, selective compute and power, and equipment, while risks include consumer softness, cycle swings, and potential policy or geopolitical shifts.

 

Download full PDF

 

  • Global Multi Asset Diversified Income Strategy (GMADI) update: A balanced approach to market volatility

    Global equity markets have recently experienced sharper movements, particularly in areas linked to artificial intelligence (AI). Earnings announcements from AI hardware, semiconductor and large cloud-computing companies have been key sources of volatility. Concerns about potential interest rate hikes have added to uncertainty. The Global Multi Asset Diversified Income (GMADI) Strategy has not been immune to these market movements. However, its income focus, broad diversification and relatively defensive positioning may help limit the effect of sharp changes in technology and growth-related investments.

    Read more
  • Global Equity Diversified Income (GEDI) Fund: Staying selective through market volatility

    Global equity markets have recently experienced greater volatility. Much of this has been driven by earnings announcements from AI hardware, semiconductor and large cloud-computing companies. Concerns about potential interest rate hikes have also added to investor uncertainty. After a prolonged period of strong performance in AI-related areas, market expectations have become demanding. Even companies reporting solid results have experienced sharp share-price moves when their outlook has only met, rather than exceeded, investor expectations. Against this backdrop, the GEDI Fund remains focused on its core objective: generating income while maintaining diversified exposure to potential capital growth.

    Read more
  • 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.

    Read more
See all
  • Global Multi Asset Diversified Income Strategy (GMADI) update: A balanced approach to market volatility

    Global equity markets have recently experienced sharper movements, particularly in areas linked to artificial intelligence (AI). Earnings announcements from AI hardware, semiconductor and large cloud-computing companies have been key sources of volatility. Concerns about potential interest rate hikes have added to uncertainty. The Global Multi Asset Diversified Income (GMADI) Strategy has not been immune to these market movements. However, its income focus, broad diversification and relatively defensive positioning may help limit the effect of sharp changes in technology and growth-related investments.

    Read more
  • Global Equity Diversified Income (GEDI) Fund: Staying selective through market volatility

    Global equity markets have recently experienced greater volatility. Much of this has been driven by earnings announcements from AI hardware, semiconductor and large cloud-computing companies. Concerns about potential interest rate hikes have also added to investor uncertainty. After a prolonged period of strong performance in AI-related areas, market expectations have become demanding. Even companies reporting solid results have experienced sharp share-price moves when their outlook has only met, rather than exceeded, investor expectations. Against this backdrop, the GEDI Fund remains focused on its core objective: generating income while maintaining diversified exposure to potential capital growth.

    Read more
  • 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.

    Read more
See all
Important notice

With effect from 2 July 2026, the Customer Service Centre of Manulife Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited is relocated to 23/F., Manulife Tower, One Bay East, 83 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon.  This centre provides customer services in relation to Manulife InvestChoice Accounts, Manulife Advanced Fund SFC, Manulife Global Fund and Manulife Hong Kong Series.  Please call Customer Contact Centre at 2108 1110 to make an appointment prior to your visit.  

View more