6 Big Investment Themes for 2026📈: AI, Energy Upgrade, Critical Minerals & the SMID Comeback

Black Friday panic, Christmas chaos… and a derivatives-led global equity sell-off. In this episode of Talk Money To Me, Candice and Felicity zoom out from the noise and share six major investment themes set to shape portfolios in 2026 plus the ETFs, sectors and stocks they’re watching right now.

Recorded on 25 November 2025 following a sharp but non-fundamental global equity pullback driven by CTAs, futures activity and a VIX spike, the pair break down why retail investors have been buying the dip, not selling it and why the medium-term setup for equities remains constructive.

They then reveal their 2026 Playbook, covering:

⭐ Theme 1 – Mid-Duration Fixed Income & Floating Rates

Why the 3–5 year part of the curve, senior bank notes, floating-rate notes and diversified bond ETFs (like MQSD) are compelling defensive anchors heading into an uncertain rate environment.

🔌 Theme 2 – The Great Energy Upgrade

AI power demand, electricity grid strain and the resurgence of LNG and nuclear. Featuring WDS, uranium via URNM/ATOM, BOE, PDN and enrichment play SLX.

🤖 Theme 3 – The Critical AI Value Chain

The backbone of AI: semis, cooling, power, data centres and transmission. With names including NVDA, AVGO, VRT, SMCI, ASML, TSMC, EQIX, DLR, NXT and ETFs GXAI and NDQ.

🧬 Theme 4 – Disruptive Science & Healthcare Re-Rating

GLP-1s, radiopharmaceuticals and gene editing. Opportunities across CSL, TLX, Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly and ETFs DRUG, CURE, ARKG and IXJ.

⚙️ Theme 5 – Critical Minerals & Strategic Commodities

Copper shortages, rare earth dominance and long lead-time supply constraints. Ideas include ACDC, COPX, BHP, LYC and ILU.

🌍 Theme 6 – Global SMID & Quality Rotation

One of the most compelling under-the-radar opportunities of 2026. Exploring valuation gaps, historical outperformance and quality SMID exposures.

If you’re planning your 2026 portfolio strategy, this episode is your end-of-year roadmap across bonds, AI, energy, commodities, healthcare and global SMIDs.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Candice Bourke and Felicity Thomas are authorised financial advisers with Shaw and Partners Limited (AFSL 236 048). The views expressed are general in nature and have not considered your personal circumstances. Please seek independent professional advice before making any financial decisions. Information is current as of the recording date (25 November 2025).

📧 Contact us:

cftgroup@shawandpartners.com.au

info@cftgroup.com.au

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