The AI Investment Boom: When Will It Pay Off?

The AI Investment Boom: When Will It Pay Off?

From Exchanges by Goldman Sachs

June 2, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

Jim Covello discusses the current state of AI investments and their economic implications.

The economics of artificial intelligence are more questionable today than two years ago, says Goldman Sachs Research's Jim Covello, as enterprise buyers, model companies, and hyperscalers have yet to show returns on their spend. In a conversation with Alison Nathan and George Lee on Goldman Sachs Exchanges, Covello discusses where we've seen economic value accrue to date and why semiconductor companies can't continue to be the sole beneficiaries of the AI buildout. This episode was recorded on May 26, 2026. The opinions and views expressed herein are as of the date of publication, subject to change without notice, and may not necessarily reflect the institutional views of Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. The material provided is intended for informational purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation from any Goldman Sachs entity to take any particular action, or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities or financial products. This material may contain forward-looking statements. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Neither Goldman Sachs nor any of its affiliates make any representations or warranties, express or…

People in this episode

Hosts: Alison Nathan, George Lee

Guest: Jim Covello

Topics covered

  • artificial intelligence
  • investment
  • economics
  • semiconductors
  • enterprise buyers

Keywords

  • AI investment
  • economic value
  • semiconductor companies
  • enterprise buyers
  • Goldman Sachs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Goldman Sachs, Goldman Sachs Research, semiconductor companies

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