AI adoption, trade tariff resolution and central bank policies are among 6 key themes that could drive wealth creation in 2026, according to the 2026 Outlook by ASK Private Wealth, the wealth management arm of the Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group. The wealth management company unveiled these six themes in its report titled “2026: Six Themes and One Worry Not.”
Here are the six investable themes that can help create wealth in 2026 as per the ASK Private Wealth report, and a look at what makes these themes unique.
AI adoption
Trade tariff resolution
Central banks’ policies
Sectoral rotation
FII interest
Mainstreaming of alternatives
Let's discuss what the wealth management company says in its outlook for the year ahead.
1. What makes AI strong bet in 2026
The outlook report highlights artificial intelligence (AI) as the first theme for creating money-making opportunities. It mentions that the ongoing AI boom is driven by earnings instead of speculation, which helps keep valuations in check.
The report underlines key areas that position AI as a smart investment choice for 2026-
Mega-cap tech earnings continue to outpace the rest of the market.
Spending on AI is surging among China’s internet platforms.
The percentage of S&P firms mentioning artificial intelligence (AI) during 3Q25 has risen to 62%.
The report claims that the current AI boom is backed by growth, while the tech boom in 1998-2000 was led by valuation.
2. Resolution of India-US trade tariff issue
The 2026 outlook claims that a tariff resolution is likely between India and the US, which will benefit various sectors in India.
In 2025, US tariffs on Indian exports affected numerous industries in India such as textiles, gems, jewellery, marine and chemicals. The 2026 outlook indicates that there are more factors in favour of a tariff deal between India and the US than there are against it.
As per the report, despite tariff-related uncertainties, India has handled the situation well, with the overall trade balance remaining steady and the currency tracking within historical norms.
The report says that some of the areas that will benefit from India-US tariff resolution are trade and tariffs, visa and immigration, geopolitics, economic and market, social and cultural and emerging opportunities.
3. Central bank rate cuts have enough space for equity put
The 2026 outlook says that both the Indian and US central banks have room to cut rates, but action may be delayed to maintain financial stability—acting as a support for equities.
The report says that strong policy buffers with real interest rates elevated across major economies are providing central banks with room to stabilise markets if volatility increases.
Currently, real policy rates are ruling at or close to their highest level in 10 years. In India, real policy rates are the highest in a decade, while in the US, they are ruling significantly above average. The repo...
4. Sectoral rotation creating investment opportunities
The report indicates that traditional sectoral winners are losing their staying power, which might impact performance, but it’s also opening up some unique opportunities. The report says that certain factors contributing to sectoral rotation being a strong bet include the correlation between declining sector performance and the Nifty’s strong...
5. FIIs interest increases in Indian banks and real estate
The 2026 outlook report claims that foreign institutional investors' interest in Indian banks and real estate is rising, indicating that FIIs are likely to return to the Indian market.
"Foreign investors are likely to return, as demonstrated by their strategic interest in the banking and real estate sector, as valuations align with earnings," as per the report.
Citing recent deals where FIIs increased their stake in Indian banks and real estate companies, the report says that a continued momentum in real estate is expected in 2025–2026 amid favourable economic fundamentals and global portfolio shifts.
6. Mainstream alternatives gaining prominence
The report says that alternatives like gold, hybrids, and private markets will gain prominence in 2026. In private markets, selection will be key to returns, the report claims.
As per the outlook, gold presents a strong investment case since central banks are purchasing it, the yellow metal's demand for ETF remains strong, the demand-supply balance is in its favour, and interest rates are low.
The report says that strong growth and stellar performance of hybrid investments such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) make them a strong investment bet.
About the private market, the report says that the market presents a plethora of opportunities, and growth depends on the selection of stocks.
Source Name : Economic Times