6 Investment Ideas to Secure Your Wealth in 2026: AI, Trade Tariffs, and More

The 2026 Outlook by ASK Private Wealth, the wealth management arm of the Blackstone-backed ASK Asset & Wealth Management Group, identifies six key themes that could drive wealth creation by 2026. These themes are AI adoption, trade tariff resolution, central bank policies, sectoral rotation, FII interest, and the mainstreaming of alternatives. Here’s a detailed look at each of these themes and what makes them unique.

1. AI Adoption: A Strong Bet in 2026

The outlook report emphasizes artificial intelligence (AI) as a prime investment opportunity. The ongoing AI boom is driven by earnings rather than speculation, which helps maintain reasonable valuations. Key factors positioning AI as a smart investment choice for 2026 include:

- 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 AI during the third quarter of 2025 has risen to 62%. - The current AI boom is backed by growth, unlike the tech boom in 1998-2000, which was primarily valuation-driven.

2. Resolution of India-US Trade Tariff Issue

The 2026 outlook predicts a likely tariff resolution between India and the US, which will benefit various Indian sectors. In 2025, US tariffs on Indian exports affected industries such as textiles, gems, jewelry, marine, and chemicals. Despite these tariffs, India has managed to maintain a steady trade balance and currency stability. The report suggests that areas likely to benefit from the tariff resolution include trade and tariffs, visa and immigration, geopolitics, economic and market dynamics, social and cultural aspects, and emerging opportunities.

3. Central Bank Rate Cuts: A Support for Equities

The 2026 outlook indicates that both the Indian and US central banks have room to cut rates, which can support equity markets. Strong policy buffers with elevated real interest rates across major economies provide central banks with the flexibility to stabilize markets if volatility increases. Currently, real policy rates are at or near their highest levels in a decade, both in India and the US. This factor is seen as a potential catalyst for equity growth in 2026.

4. Sectoral Rotation: Creating Investment Opportunities

The report highlights that traditional sectoral winners are losing their staying power, which might impact performance but is also opening up unique opportunities. The correlation between declining sector performance and the Nifty’s strong performance across sectors suggests that sectoral rotation could be a strong investment strategy. This dynamic is creating new opportunities for investors to explore different sectors and capitalize on emerging trends.

5. FII Interest in Indian Banks and Real Estate

The 2026 outlook report notes a growing interest from foreign institutional investors (FIIs) in Indian banks and real estate, indicating a potential return to the Indian market. Recent deals where FIIs have increased their stakes in Indian banks and real estate companies suggest that this trend is likely to continue. The report expects a continued momentum in the real estate sector in 2025-2026, driven by favorable economic fundamentals and global portfolio shifts.

6. Mainstreaming of Alternatives

The report predicts that alternative investments, such as gold, hybrids, and private markets, will gain prominence in 2026. Gold is highlighted as a strong investment case due to increased purchases by central banks, strong ETF demand, a favorable demand-supply balance, and low interest rates. Hybrid investments like Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) are also seen as promising due to their strong growth and performance. In the private market, the report emphasizes the importance of stock selection for achieving optimal returns.

These six themes, as outlined by ASK Private Wealth, provide a comprehensive roadmap for investors looking to secure and grow their wealth in the coming years. By staying informed and strategic, investors can capitalize on these opportunities and navigate the evolving financial landscape.