The AI bubble: five things you need to know to shield your finances from a crash.
When it comes to the latest market trends, few topics generate as much excitement – and anxiety – as artificial intelligence. As 2025 got underway with share prices booming, experts have warned that this growth may be driven by overvalued technology stocks, sparking fears of an "AI bubble". While you might not have invested directly in tech shares, the impact of a crash could still affect you.
One key thing to understand is that predicting when a market bubble will burst is notoriously difficult. Daniel Casali, chief investment strategist at Evelyn Partners, notes that even seasoned investors can't predict peaks and troughs with certainty. Some experts believe that investors are overpaying for tech stocks due to misplaced expectations about AI's potential earnings. However, others argue that this isn't the case, pointing out that bankers at UBS have predicted positive gains from AI in their year ahead report.
In any event, making decisions based solely on an assumption that a bubble is about to burst can be unwise. The rapid development of AI technology means that setbacks are often followed by breakthroughs, making it hard to time the market accurately. It's better to take a long-term view and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
If you're concerned about potential losses, consider your overall investment strategy. If you have an Isa or pension, think in terms of years, not weeks or months. Pensions are designed for the long term, and attempting to time the market can lead to regrettable decisions. By staying invested through periods of volatility, you may be able to ride out a crash and see your savings grow over time.
Diversification is key when it comes to navigating uncertain markets. Spreading investments across different sectors and asset classes can help you weather the storm without panicking. Consider lower-risk investments with safe-haven qualities like gold or sectors generating strong cashflows, such as insurance, utilities, food producers, household goods, and telecoms.
In a crash, some experts recommend short-term government bonds – specifically one- to two-year gilt yields. These bonds offer fixed returns and are likely to look more attractive if interest rates fall. There are also funds available that give you access to these assets, such as the Trojan Fund or the Royal London Short-Term Money Market Fund.
Ultimately, the key is to stay informed but avoid making emotional decisions based on speculation. By taking a long-term view, diversifying your portfolio, and considering lower-risk investments, you can better shield your finances from the potential risks of an AI bubble bursting.
When it comes to the latest market trends, few topics generate as much excitement – and anxiety – as artificial intelligence. As 2025 got underway with share prices booming, experts have warned that this growth may be driven by overvalued technology stocks, sparking fears of an "AI bubble". While you might not have invested directly in tech shares, the impact of a crash could still affect you.
One key thing to understand is that predicting when a market bubble will burst is notoriously difficult. Daniel Casali, chief investment strategist at Evelyn Partners, notes that even seasoned investors can't predict peaks and troughs with certainty. Some experts believe that investors are overpaying for tech stocks due to misplaced expectations about AI's potential earnings. However, others argue that this isn't the case, pointing out that bankers at UBS have predicted positive gains from AI in their year ahead report.
In any event, making decisions based solely on an assumption that a bubble is about to burst can be unwise. The rapid development of AI technology means that setbacks are often followed by breakthroughs, making it hard to time the market accurately. It's better to take a long-term view and avoid knee-jerk reactions.
If you're concerned about potential losses, consider your overall investment strategy. If you have an Isa or pension, think in terms of years, not weeks or months. Pensions are designed for the long term, and attempting to time the market can lead to regrettable decisions. By staying invested through periods of volatility, you may be able to ride out a crash and see your savings grow over time.
Diversification is key when it comes to navigating uncertain markets. Spreading investments across different sectors and asset classes can help you weather the storm without panicking. Consider lower-risk investments with safe-haven qualities like gold or sectors generating strong cashflows, such as insurance, utilities, food producers, household goods, and telecoms.
In a crash, some experts recommend short-term government bonds – specifically one- to two-year gilt yields. These bonds offer fixed returns and are likely to look more attractive if interest rates fall. There are also funds available that give you access to these assets, such as the Trojan Fund or the Royal London Short-Term Money Market Fund.
Ultimately, the key is to stay informed but avoid making emotional decisions based on speculation. By taking a long-term view, diversifying your portfolio, and considering lower-risk investments, you can better shield your finances from the potential risks of an AI bubble bursting.