Andrew Sheets discusses the rising importance of capital expenditure on AI infrastructure during earnings season. He highlights the scale and acceleration of spending by large US tech companies, its support for semiconductor stocks, and the credit market implications. He suggests mortgage-backed securities offer better near-term risk-reward than corporate credit.
- Capex on AI infrastructure is soaring, estimated at $600 billion in 2026 and potentially $1 trillion by 2028.
- US tech companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta are at the leading edge of this spending.
- Semiconductor stocks have risen over 30% in the month, tied to the AI buildout.
- Record bond issuance is expected from US tech companies borrowing to fund capex.
- Rising capex supports equities but is a credit negative due to increased borrowing.
- Near-term risk-reward is better in mortgage-backed securities than corporate credit.
- Large investment could boost productivity, lower inflation, and influence Fed policy.