Despite the tech sector's slump this year, investors are still largely bullish on artificial intelligence (AI). Nearly six in 10 (59%) investors surveyed on March 3, 2026, hold AI stocks, according to recent research by The Motley Fool. As you may expect, Gen Z and millennials have the highest AI stock ownership rates at 67% and 66%, respectively.
Should you have AI stocks in your own portfolio? Yes, you probably should, with the exact allocation depending on your age, risk tolerance, and goals.
Image source: Getty Images.
AI is a polarizing subject, but it could be one of the most impactful technological developments of our lifetime. The Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) says that "AI is poised to be the most transformative technology of the 21st century."
The most successful tech companies clearly see AI as a worthy investment. Four of the leading hyperscalers, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Microsoft, have projected $600 billion to $700 billion in 2026 capital expenditures, largely to fund AI data centers.
Many top AI stocks have also delivered staggering returns to shareholders. Nvidia (NVDA +1.30%) is the poster child here, as it's up a whopping 1,190% over the last five years (as of March 30). The chipmaker, which supplies graphics processing units (GPUs) for AI data centers, demonstrates one of the many ways you can invest in AI. You can also invest in AI infrastructure companies or companies that incorporate AI into their products and services.
NASDAQ: NVDA
Key Data Points
We're still very much in the early stages with AI. Given the incredible growth potential, it's worth having at least some exposure to AI in your portfolio.
