The news comes from Stockholm: the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret and John M. Martinis for their pioneering experiments on quantum effects, which pave the way for next-generation computers, advanced sensors and more secure encryption technologies.
It is a recognition that shows how scientific breakthroughs can unlock new technological frontiers, with effects that also ripple through the global economy.
In recent months, several major trends have taken centre stage, drawing capital and attention towards new frontiers – from Artificial Intelligence to the infrastructure boom, from energy security to the reorganisation of global supply chains.
Our Asset Allocation team closely monitors these developments, analysing how economics, geopolitics and technology are reshaping global markets.
Here are eight areas we believe are particularly relevant for anyone looking to understand where capital is moving today.
1. Technology and digital innovation in emerging markets
Technology in emerging markets – especially in China – is being driven by opposing forces. On the one hand, trade tensions, tariffs and export restrictions are discouraging foreign investment. On the other, Beijing is pushing hard for self-sufficiency in strategic sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), semiconductors and batteries.
China has set a target of becoming the global leader in Artificial Intelligence by 2030, with investment in the sector expected to reach $30 billion by 2028 to support domestic digital and e-commerce champions.
In this gradual decoupling from the West, local tech leaders may find fertile ground to grow.
2. Uranium and nuclear technology
The energy transition and the need for reliable supply are reigniting interest in nuclear power. Demand from AI-driven data centres is rising rapidly, while governments and companies look for stable, domestically controlled and zero-carbon solutions.
Uranium and nuclear technologies are returning to the spotlight as potential answers to the growing demand for electricity.
3. Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and semiconductors
AI has become the driving force of the new technological revolution. Major players are investing record sums to expand data centres and computing power, while governments are supporting the production of strategic chips in the name of national security.
Semiconductors, already fundamental, are rapidly becoming the backbone of the digital future. This trend is further reinforced by the growing focus on national security and supply chain resilience, which is driving substantial government subsidies and the reshoring of production.
4. Mining and gold
Decarbonisation and digitalisation are driving strong demand for key resources such as copper, lithium and uranium. At the same time, gold remains a safe-haven asset in a context of high public debt and geopolitical uncertainty.
Commodities remain in focus, both as a source of protection and as a crucial component of the industrial transition.
5. Next Gen Communications and digital infrastructure
Rising global demand for connectivity and energy capacity is reshaping the industrial landscape. The build-out of data centres, smart grids, connected devices and new digital cities is emerging as a key pillar of long-term growth.
Increasingly, these infrastructures are viewed as a distinct asset class in their own right, supported by reshoring and pervasive digitalisation.
6. Defence and national security
Globalisation has slowed, giving way to fragmentation and strategic competition between major economic blocs. Countries are rethinking industrial and trade priorities to ensure security, resilience and control over supply chains.
The defence sector, traditionally cyclical, has returned to the spotlight as a response to an unstable geopolitical environment.
7. Quantum computing
2025 could mark a turning point for quantum technology. Advances in computing power open up revolutionary possibilities in finance, medicine and materials science, but also challenge current cybersecurity standards, accelerating the transition towards “quantum-safe” encryption systems.
A recent milestone underscores the importance of the field: the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for pioneering experiments on quantum effects that enable next-generation computers, advanced sensors and more secure cryptography.
While still nascent, the space is beginning to offer tangible opportunities.
8. Physical infrastructure and the energy transition
Infrastructure is back in the spotlight: the AI boom is driving a surge in demand for energy and connectivity, while the green transition requires the conversion of power grids and production facilities.
Meanwhile, geopolitical fragmentation is encouraging investment in new industrial and logistics hubs.
This trend is further supported by fiscal policies and government incentives.
Why monitor these trends
These eight themes reveal how the world is evolving in the way it produces, powers, protects and innovates.
Analysing these developments helps us understand where capital, policy and new industrial supply chains are being directed.
For curious and informed investors, following these trends means making sense of the present and anticipating long-term trajectories – not by chasing the latest hype, but by focusing on the major economic forces shaping the future.
Invest in Thematic ETFs
Moneyfarm gives you access to the themes driving tomorrow’s markets with our thematic portfolios: Multi-trend, Technology Innovation, Sustainable Investing and Crypto.
We use a core-satellite approach: a stable and diversified core, combined with high-potential themes (satellites), with potential for long-term growth but subject to market volatility, so you can seek growth without sacrificing balance. These are designed to provide exposure to long-term themes within a diversified portfolio, though returns are not guaranteed. We continuously monitor and rebalance the portfolio to keep it aligned with your risk profile.
Capital at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invest.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. This information does not constitute personal investment advice. Investors should ensure that any investment aligns with their individual circumstances and risk profile. Minimum investment per portfolio: £10,000.
*As with all investing, financial instruments involve inherent risks, including loss of capital, market fluctuations and liquidity risk. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. It is important to consider your risk tolerance and investment objectives before proceeding.
