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  1. Thoughts on the Market
  2. Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026
Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026

Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026

Thoughts on the Market · Jan 26, 2026

Morgan Stanley identifies four key interconnected themes for 2026: AI diffusion, energy politics, a multipolar world, and societal shifts.

AI's Primary Constraint Has Shifted from Software Capabilities to Physical Infrastructure

The focus in AI has evolved from rapid software capability gains to the physical constraints of its adoption. The demand for compute power is expected to significantly outstrip supply, making infrastructure—not algorithms—the defining bottleneck for future growth.

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Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026

Thoughts on the Market·24 days ago

AI's Soaring Energy Demand Is Turning Power Generation into a Political Battleground

The massive computing power required by AI is causing energy demand in developed nations to rise for the first time in years. This shifts the energy conversation from a supply issue to a pressing political one, as policymakers must balance costs, reliability, and grid stability for consumers.

Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026 thumbnail

Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026

Thoughts on the Market·24 days ago

The Best Investment Alpha Is Found Where Major Themes Like AI, Energy, and Geopolitics Intersect

The most powerful investment opportunities are not in isolated themes but in their intersections. For example, AI's energy demand shapes national politics, which influences global supply chains and societal outcomes. Understanding these reinforcing forces is key to identifying underappreciated opportunities.

Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026 thumbnail

Four Key Themes Shaping Markets in 2026

Thoughts on the Market·24 days ago