Market Decode: How to add AI to your portfolio

Artificial intelligence is a game-changer, improving productivity and potential profits across many sectors. But how do investors gain exposure to its potential? Watch our video for ideas.

FOUR COMPANIES ALONE have committed $364 billion to AI investment in fiscal year 2025. That capital is being used to fund everything from data-center construction to chips, power development and more. “That’s not hype — that’s infrastructure,” says Ariana Chiu, wealth management analyst for the Chief Investment Office, Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. There’s no doubt this new technology has the power to transform companies across the board, but is the time right in the AI buildout cycle for individual investors to seek exposure to its potential? And how can they consider gaining exposure today?

In the video above, Chiu looks at the ripple effects of this massive capital mobilization — pointing to potential investment opportunities in areas such as industrials and utilities — as well as the risks that could hamper growth.  “As we look further ahead,” Chiu says, “investors may want to keep an eye on sectors primed to leverage AI in their operations.”

A Private Wealth Advisor can help you get started.

Our advisors can help you follow your passions, build a legacy and have a positive impact on others.
Find an advisor

Important disclosures

The opinions expressed are as of 9/11/2025 and are subject to change.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration.

This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.

The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

Explore more of our latest thinking

New sector leaders — and losers. What’s working? What’s not?

A deep dive into emerging trends reshaping the equity markets and economy
  • latest thinking/research insights/markets

Market Decode: The coming mineral mining surge

Certain metals and minerals are critical to meeting global energy, defense and infrastructure needs, creating a number of potential investment opportunities
  • latest thinking/research insights/markets

Market Decode: The new AI kid on the block

The latest player in the artificial intelligence (AI) space has rattled the tech sector, but the added competition may be positive news for investors, says the Chief Investment Office
  • latest thinking/research insights/markets

Investment, insurance and annuity products:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value
Are Not Deposits Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary.

This material does not take into account a client’s particular investment objectives, financial situations, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer, or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. There are important differences between brokerage and investment advisory services, including the type of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and the rights and obligations of the parties. It is important to understand the differences, particularly when determining which service or services to select. For more information about these services and their differences, speak with your Merrill financial advisor.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Merrill Private Wealth Management is a division of MLPF&S that offers a broad array of personalized wealth management products and services. Both brokerage and investment advisory services are offered by the Private Wealth Advisors through MLPF&S. The nature and degree of advice and assistance provided, the fees charged, and client rights and Merrill’s obligations will differ among these services. Investments involve risk, including the possible loss of principal investment.

The banking, credit and trust services sold by the Private Wealth Advisors are offered by licensed banks and trust companies, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC, and other affiliated banks.

Trust, fiduciary and investment management services, including assets managed by the Specialty Asset Management team, are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”), and its agents.

Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A.

U.S. Trust Company of Delaware is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc., a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

8371268-EXP-2027-03-29