Listen "236: Investing in AI – From Its Origins to What Lies Ahead for Energy, Geopolitics, and Markets"
Episode Synopsis
Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful forces reshaping the global economy, technology, and investing. But understanding AI requires looking at the full story — where it began, how it is unfolding, and where it is headed next.With recent headlines in OpenAI from its $100bn Nvidia investment to its release of Sora, this special in-depth episode of The Bid brings together highlights from across our conversations with BlackRock experts to trace the arc of AI’s evolution: its origins, today’s massive infrastructure build-out, the unprecedented power demand it creates, its adoption across industries, its geopolitical stakes, and what lies ahead for investors.Key themes:The history and milestones that shaped AI as an investment themeThe massive infrastructure and capital fueling the AI build-outWhy AI’s energy demands could reshape global power consumptionHow AI adoption is boosting productivity and changing workAI as a geopolitical competition between nationsWhat the exponential future of AI may bring for marketsKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to a reflection on AI00:20 The Evolution of AI: From Theory to Practice00:56 The Investment Landscape of AI01:45 Historical Milestones in AI05:08 The Build-Out Phase of AI Infrastructure07:25 Energy Demands of AI09:43 Adoption and Transformation of AI10:57 AI in Geopolitical Competition12:09 The Future of AI: Layers of Opportunity16:16 Conclusion and Investor InsightsCheck out this playlist to learn more about AI investing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1rt6kLl0fzg9D7puEkAupq🔗 Learn More About BlackRock: https://1blk.co/41uwhDS 🔗 Watch and Subscribe to The Bid on YouTube: https://1blk.co/48iHOs4 🔗 Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://1blk.co/3v09q6Q 🔗 Follow Us on Twitter (or X): https://1blk.co/3NuiIOW Sources: Capex spend from BlackRock Investment Institute, Reuters, October 2024; ; “North America Data Center Trends H2 2023”, CBRE 2024;AI, investing in AI, AI energy demand, AI and geopolitics, powering AI, AI electricity consumption, energy and utilities investing, AI adoption and productivity, exponential AI growth, blackrock, the bid, investingThis 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-EEA countries, this is authorized and regulated by the FCA. In the EEA, it is authorized and regulated by the AFM. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.