Marching into 2026: Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain Lead the Way, VanEck Reveals New Global Investment Opportunities

As we enter 2026, the global investment landscape is signaling a rare sense of clarity. Frontiers such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are becoming key focus areas for institutional investors, driven by a more stable macro environment and policy expectations. According to VanEck’s latest Q1 global market outlook, supported by clear signals from fiscal and monetary policies, investors are now presented with diversified opportunities including artificial intelligence, private credit, gold, India, and cryptocurrencies.

Macro Environment Turns Clearer, AI Investment Regains Attraction

The 2026 market faces a rare situation—expectations for future policy directions are becoming relatively clear. The US fiscal situation is gradually improving, although deficits remain high, their ratio to GDP has significantly fallen from pandemic-era peaks. This fiscal stability helps anchor long-term interest rates and effectively reduces tail risks in the market.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describes current interest rates as “normal,” a crucial statement—markets should not expect aggressive short-term rate cuts in 2026. Instead, the future points toward policy stability, moderate adjustments, and reduced shocks.

Against this backdrop, investment allocations in artificial intelligence are being reshuffled. By the end of 2025, some AI-related stocks experienced significant corrections, resetting previously “stifling” high valuations. Notably, despite falling stock prices, the underlying demand for computing power, token applications, and productivity improvements remains strong. The nuclear energy sector, linked to AI-driven power demand, also saw notable price adjustments, improving risk-reward profiles for medium- and long-term investors.

Diversified Asset Allocation: From Gold to Blockchain Strategies

Gold Reasserts Its Role as a Global Currency Asset

With central banks continuing to increase holdings and the global economy gradually moving away from dollar dominance, gold is re-emerging as a leading global currency asset. Although technically gold prices seem to have peaked, VanEck believes the current pullback offers a good entry point, as its structural advantages remain intact.

Business Development Companies (BDCs) Offer Valuation Opportunities

BDCs—financial institutions providing private credit to small and medium-sized enterprises—faced tough times in 2025. However, as the market digests credit risks, these assets now show more attractive yields and valuations. Management companies supporting BDCs, such as private equity giant Ares, have valuations that are now more reasonable relative to their long-term profitability and past performance.

Complex Signals from Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

In the crypto space, Bitcoin’s traditional four-year cycle was broken in 2025. The so-called four-year cycle, driven by Bitcoin’s halving events, has historically dictated price patterns, but this change has made short-term market signals more complex. VanEck remains cautious about the outlook for the next 3 to 6 months, but it’s important to note that not all internal analysts share this view. VanEck’s blockchain strategist Matthew Sigel and analyst David Schassler show a relatively positive attitude toward current crypto cycle performance.

Long-term Opportunities in India and Emerging Markets

Beyond the US, India remains a high-growth investment target, with structural reforms and sustained economic momentum offering long-term appeal. This aligns well with the potential for AI applications in India, and blockchain technology’s expanding role in emerging markets.

Conclusion: A Year of Opportunities and Risks

The investment environment in 2026 is relatively clearer, with more transparent policy signals and fewer market shocks. Valuations in AI, central bank demand for gold, prospects for blockchain applications, and structural growth stories all present multi-dimensional opportunities for investors. However, VanEck emphasizes that selectivity remains crucial—risks and opportunities vary across sectors, and investors should make cautious decisions based on their risk tolerance and time horizon.