Buyers on the lookout for the following option to capitalize on the synthetic intelligence growth ought to think about some elementary parts of the economic system, Financial institution of America mentioned. Funding and ETF strategist Jared Woodard mentioned in a be aware to shoppers final week that the market has underestimated the adjustments in vitality demand caused by synthetic intelligence initiatives. “The ‘first spherical’ winners of latest expertise demand, corresponding to knowledge facilities, hyperscalers and chipmakers, have already got plenty of belongings,” Woodard mentioned. “Additional funding in these beneficiaries ought to depend upon a practical path to increasing energy provide. . In different phrases, the brand new digital darlings can nonetheless win, however the ruddy previous actual world might must win first.” The shift to the following spherical might have already begun. Utilities shares have began rising in Could, with the Utilities Choose Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) up 8% thus far this month. The truth that utility shares are cheaper than the remainder of the market and have underperformed over the long run has helped drive this development, however the prospect of elevated vitality demand additionally seems to be an element. XLU 1M mountain Utility shares surged in Could. Woodard additionally recognized different ETFs and shares that would profit from elevated vitality consumption and grid funding. One among them is the Direxion Auspice Broad Commodities Technique ETF (COM). The fund is pricier than many stock-focused ETFs, with a web expense ratio of 0.70%, however presents actively managed publicity to 12 totally different commodities, from soybeans to grease to copper. It is up about 8% this 12 months. Financial institution of America additionally has a purchase ranking on mining inventory Freeport-McMoRan, which has gained greater than 27% thus far this 12 months. The Financial institution of America report states: “With out bodily belongings, progress is unattainable. Our strategists count on metals corresponding to copper to be in deep pink ink by 2026. Miners ought to retain pricing energy given restricted capability after a decade of underinvestment. Firms that assist produce vitality may very well be one other space on the lookout for winners within the coming years. The VanEck Oil Companies ETF (OIH), one of many funds Woodard highlighted, consists of SLB and Halliburton as gasoline. Sources might turn into extra necessary. Financial institution of America is constructive on the International X Uranium ETF (URA), which supplies publicity to bodily uranium and miners. Second-term bull market. Nuclear energy ‘upgrades’ by 10% might add 10GW of vitality provide with out constructing any new buildings,” the report mentioned. URA’s web expense ratio is 0.69%, which has risen about 18% 12 months thus far. OIH is cheaper at 0.35%, up about 6% from a 12 months in the past. Financial institution of America would not embrace utility ETFs in its notes, however the agency has a purchase ranking on Xcel Power amongst shares within the group. —CNBC’s Michael Bloom contributed reporting.