Recent progress in Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a unique moment in the evolution of technology, perhaps dwarfing the impact of the internet and the smartphone. The Polar Capital Technology Team have been bullish on AI for many years and are one of the few with a long-term record investing here.

AI will, in time, disrupt industries and potentially bring significant productivity gains. As such, the Team applies an ‘AI lens’ to the portfolio, such that all holdings are analysed against how AI is impacting their business model, competitive position and opportunity set. They have deliberately moved the portfolio to take advantage of AI and, heading into 2024, more than 80% of the portfolio is made up of companies they believe are AI enablers or beneficiaries.

The Team also believes the worst of the macro headwinds, as they relate to the technology sector, are likely behind us and the investment backdrop for growth technology in particular looks appealing. The sector tends to outperform the broader market in times of low economic growth and stable interest rates. The robust growth of the portfolio, and scarcity of growth elsewhere, should drive superior returns.

The technology sector should continue to deliver strong growth in 2024 as AI moves from infancy to more widespread adoption. The market may also broaden, whereupon the Team’s depth of expertise and experience will stand them in good stead to find small and mid-cap technology winners.