Strategist sees 10-year AI super-cycle taking Dow to 100K

Strategist sees 10-year AI super-cycle taking Dow to 100K
Don’t fret if you think you’ve missed the rally – there’s still a ways to go, says James Demmert of Main Street Research.
APR 02, 2024

There's a super-cycle playing out in the markets that's being led by AI, says James Demmert, chief investment officer at Main Street Research.

Not only that, Demmert thinks it could take the Dow above 100,000 in the next 10 years.

“We did some critical math on this to make sure,” he said. “Look at the history of business cycles and then look at them when they have some sort of transformational technology change.”

Demmert points to the Industrial Revolution and the internet boom of the 1990s as examples of such super-cycles that occurred as new technology allowed economies to do more with less, thereby enabling profit margins to expand.

“We go back and we say, ‘Can earnings triple or double? What will they do over that seven-to-nine year period?’ which business cycles last,” he said. “And we think earnings can triple and that puts the Dow over 100,000. The Nasdaq and the S&P will also triple, even from these levels.”

In other words, don’t fret if you think you’ve missed the rally. There’s still a ways to go in Demmert’s opinion. The Dow closed Monday at 39,566.85.

Main Street Research is a wealth management firm founded in 1993 with assets under management of roughly $2B.

Furthermore, Demmert says the AI-powered rally will take more than just technology stocks (aka the Magnificent 7) higher.

“You're already starting to see it broaden out a little bit,” he said. “I think you're see a lot more of that over the next few years.” 

All that said, Demmert is clear that he doesn't see the Dow rising from its current level to 100,000 without a few stumbles along the way. And it's important to be in the right stocks and sectors as well, in his view.

“There will be bubbles in equity prices as we go forward,” he cautioned. “So use risk management tools. Be really careful out there.”

Finally, Demmert expects international stocks to come along for the ride as well. It’s an AI world in his opinion, and we are just starting to live in it. 

“We think it's going to affect great companies around the world,” he said. “Be a global investor as you put money to work.” 

Small-cap growth stocks setting up for big year, says Alger strategist

Latest News

In an AI world, investors still look for the human touch
In an AI world, investors still look for the human touch

AI is no replacement for trusted financial advisors, but it can meaningfully enhance their capabilities as well as the systems they rely on.

This viral motivational speaker can also be your Prudential financial advisor
This viral motivational speaker can also be your Prudential financial advisor

Prudential's Jordan Toma is no "Finfluencer," but he is a registered financial advisor with four million social media followers and a message of overcoming personal struggles that's reached kids in 150 school across the US.

Fintech bytes: GReminders and Advisor CRM announce AI-related updates
Fintech bytes: GReminders and Advisor CRM announce AI-related updates

GReminders is deepening its integration partnership with a national wealth firm, while Advisor CRM touts a free new meeting tool for RIAs.

SEC charges barred ex-Merrill broker behind Bain Capital private equity fraud
SEC charges barred ex-Merrill broker behind Bain Capital private equity fraud

The Texas-based former advisor reportedly bilked clients out of millions of dollars, keeping them in the dark with doctored statements and a fake email domain.

Trump's tax bill passes senate in hard-fought victory for Republicans
Trump's tax bill passes senate in hard-fought victory for Republicans

The $3.3 trillion tax and spending cut package narrowly got through the upper house, with JD Vance casting the deciding vote to overrule three GOP holdouts.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.