By Firstlinks
Publication Date: 2026-05-12 20:35:00
The debate about artificial intelligence has taken a sharp turn. The initial excitement about AI’s transformative potential sparked investor fears of an AI bubble. But these concerns have now been overshadowed by concerns that the AI juggernaut will overwhelm large parts of the global economy.
The evolving narrative has led to vastly different outcomes for companies. Investors have fled so-called “AI roadkills” — business models like software that are likely to be rendered obsolete by AI — and turned to old-economy companies that produce physical goods. Although the S&P 500’s total returns have been negative this year, the energy, materials and industrials sectors have posted solid gains, while software and other capital-light industries have suffered sharp declines. Since the start of the Iran war, the energy sector has continued to rise, while gains in other asset-intensive industries have slowed.
How should long-term investors think about this…


