January 18, 2026, 11:48 AM EST. Investors chasing AI hype risk missing lasting returns. The AI market is forecast to grow from about $255 billion in 2025 to $1.7 trillion by 2031, but gains vary by sub-sector. The strongest impulse now comes from AI infrastructure and data-center upgrades, not every AI-connected company will outperform. Nvidia remains a core driver, with record quarterly revenue driven by GPUs (graphics processing units) powering AI workloads. Pure-play chipmakers such as Credo Technology Group and Astera Labs benefit from demand for high-speed, reliable components. Analysts project the AI infrastructure market expanding to hundreds of billions by the early 2030s, creating a multi-year tailwind. For diversified exposure, consider ETFs like GRID, which target grid infrastructure and related technologies. Investors should favor firms enabling AI factories over broad AI-adjacent bets.
