How to keep profiting from AI while shielding your portfolio against the risk of a slowdown

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-25T13:11:40.494Z • Permanent link

Jamie Wilhelm and Sunit Gogia of Fort Washington Investment Advisors have been monitoring the AI landscape, and their latest assessment suggests that the AI wave is expected to continue, driven by growing demand for automation and increased investment in AI research. However, the duo notes that several leading indicators point to an eventual downturn in the AI market. For instance, a slowdown in venture capital investment in AI startups, a decrease in the number of new AI-related patents filed, and a decline in the growth rate of AI-related hiring.

Fort Washington Investment Advisors' analysis is backed by data from leading sources, including CB Insights, which reported that venture capital investment in AI startups declined by 32% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Similarly, data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office shows that the number of AI-related patents filed in 2022 was lower than in the previous year. Furthermore, a report by Glassdoor found that the growth rate of AI-related hiring in the United States slowed down in 2022, with the average salary for AI and machine learning professionals increasing by only 10% compared to the previous year.

The decline in AI investment and hiring suggests that the market may be nearing a peak. However, it is essential to note that the AI landscape is complex, and there are many factors that can influence the market. Nevertheless, Fort Washington Investment Advisors' analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of the AI market and highlights the importance of monitoring leading indicators.

The decline in AI investment and hiring has significant implications for companies and research communities that rely on AI. For instance, a slowdown in AI investment can lead to reduced funding for AI-related research and development, which can impact the development of new AI technologies. Moreover, a decline in AI-related hiring can lead to reduced talent pool, which can make it challenging for companies to attract and retain top AI talent.

The impact of the AI market slowdown on companies such as NVIDIA, Alphabet, and Microsoft will be significant. These companies have heavily invested in AI research and development, and a decline in AI investment can impact their bottom line. Research communities, such as the Stanford Natural Language Processing Group and the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, will also be affected, as they rely on funding from government agencies and private investors to support their research.

The AI market slowdown is part of a larger pattern of market fluctuations that have affected various industries, including technology and finance. The 2008 global financial crisis, for instance, was triggered by a housing market bubble that burst, leading to a global economic downturn. Similarly, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the global economy, leading to a recession in many countries.