Investment in AI-resistant ‘Halo’ companies helps push UK and EU markets to record highs

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Graeme WeardenMarch 1, 2026 at 08:00 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

In 2026, a new investment strategy called the "Halo trade" has emerged, focusing on companies with significant physical assets and low risk of obsolescence from AI disruption. This shift in investment has benefited UK and EU stock markets, pushing them to record highs by the end of February. Goldman Sachs reports that companies with heavy asset investments have outperformed capital-light firms by 35% since 2025. These "Halo" businesses include energy, transport infrastructure, and utilities, valued for their reliability and barriers to replication. The FTSE 100, with its concentration of established companies, has experienced strong growth, reflecting investors' rotation from AI and growth stocks to tangible assets.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Swissquote 50% Saxo 50% Ipek Ozkardeskaya 60% Ruben Dalfovo ×260% United Kingdom 70% FTSE 100 70% European Union 70% Goldman Sachs ×280%

Keywords

halo trade 100% ai disruption 80% capital-intensive businesses 70% tangible assets 70% investment 60% energy infrastructure 50% stock markets 50% ftse 100 40% valuations 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Positive

Score: 0.40

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The Guardian - World News

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90%

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United Kingdom

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halo trade ai disruption capital-intensive businesses tangible assets investment energy infrastructure stock markets ftse 100 valuations

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