A leading exchange-traded fund (ETF) provider has identified the key investing themes that will have significance in 2026, including strong performance from gold, a broadening adoption of Bitcoin and continuation of the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.
With regard to gold, Global X has forecast its strength due to an expectation the purchase of the commodity will remain high from both central banks and retail investors in the new year.
“Following a healthy consolidation phase, gold will likely resume its rally and potentially test the US$4500 resistance level. This move is likely to be catalysed by the US Federal Reserve’s return to rate cuts in early 2026,” Global X investment strategist Justin Lin noted.
“We view gold as the most effective hedge against lingering economic and geopolitical tail risks heading into 2026, while structural drivers such as sustained central-bank accumulation and resilient ETF demand to underpin an exceptionally constructive backdrop for gold.”
Further, Lin pointed out the similar characteristics of Bitcoin as a store of value, like gold, will continue to see it enjoy investor demand in 2026.
“This is not to say Bitcoin has shed its speculative characteristics or is anywhere near replacing gold and recent volatility highlights the cryptocurrency asset class remains volatile. But demand is high enough, including from institutions, to warrant a second look at its aspirations of Bitcoin becoming ‘digital gold’ in 2026,” he explained.
“As it matures as an alternative asset, we believe it will increasingly earn a place alongside gold as a compelling long-term investment and meaningful store of value.”
The ETF provider also predicted the AI sector’s cycle has a significant period of time to run, meaning 2026 will still see it navigate its infancy.
“The US technology giants are likely to remain very profitable, with robust margins, scalable business models and strong balance sheets, which could keep getting stronger in 2026. Indeed, over the next three years, earnings per share for the broader FANG (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google) universe is projected to rise faster than the overall US share market, led by Nvidia,” Global X senior investment strategist Billy Leung said.
“We are also likely to see AI adoption broaden across traditional industries, with the intersection of digital and physical infrastructure defining the next phase of the cycle. As AI expands globally, the demand for power, efficiency and connectivity will define the next phase of AI investment.
“Resource pressure points are becoming the new drivers of investment; AI-related data-centre growth is already straining electricity grids and resource supply, creating a structural demand tailwind for nuclear energy, grid technology and critical minerals.”