Artificial intelligence investing is on the rise since 2013

The murmurs about Artificial Intelligence have grown into a roar, signaling not just a technological revolution, but a profound economic transformation. It’s no longer a question of "if" AI will impact our lives, but "how extensively," and, critically, "how do we position ourselves for its unprecedented growth?"

The AI Economy: A Tsunami of Value

Consider the scale: AI currently represents an estimated $750 billion slice of the global economy. Experts project this figure to quadruple within the next eight to nine years, a staggering trajectory that demands attention from every investor, business leader, and community stakeholder.

America's Leading Edge in AI Investment

A recent Stanford study highlighted the United States as the global vanguard in private AI investment since 2013. In 2024 alone, the U.S. poured $109.1 billion into AI ventures. Globally, corporate AI investment swelled to an impressive $252.3 billion, underscoring a worldwide race for innovation and market dominance.

As Paul Meyers, President and Financial Advisor at Legacy Wealth Management in Fargo, aptly puts it, "Artificial intelligence is already in our daily lives. I think it’s just going to become a bigger and bigger part of it... Artificial intelligence is helpful to all of us, regardless of what industry you’re in, and we need to be ready for it." This isn't a distant future; it's our present reality.

Navigating the AI Investment Landscape

While the overall trend is undeniably upward, the individual journey for specific AI-focused companies can be complex. Take Applied Digital, for example. Despite experiencing a recent stock dip of nearly 4%, the company has seen an astounding 94% growth for investors this year. Their latest earnings report noted $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, with a 50-day average price of $12.49 and a 200-day moving average of $9.07.

Meyers cautions, "For investors in this company, they’re up ninety-four percent this year. And I would say that you know there’s some positives and some negatives, some causes for concern, and some causes for optimism, it’s not a slam dunk." This serves as a vital reminder that even within a booming sector, thorough due diligence and a balanced perspective are paramount. Volatility is an inherent part of rapid growth.

Beyond the Headlines: Local Impact and Strategic Foresight

The broader economic ripples of AI adoption extend to local communities and infrastructure. For instance, in Ellendale, Mayor Don Flaherty shared that his city won't see financial benefits from Applied Digital until 2026, highlighting the lag between investment and tangible local impact. Nearby Harwood is still deliberating a proposal, illustrating the nuanced considerations involved in integrating large-scale tech operations into local economies.

These local dynamics underscore a critical point for leaders and citizens alike: understanding the long-term, tangible effects of AI integration, not just the abstract potential. Proactive planning and community engagement are essential to ensure these technological waves create widespread prosperity.

Your AI Action Plan: Prepare for What’s Next

How can you prepare for this evolving landscape? For investors, it means looking beyond the hype. Seek out companies with clear strategies, robust fundamentals, and a demonstrated ability to adapt. Diversify your portfolio to mitigate risks inherent in rapidly evolving sectors. For business leaders, it’s about identifying where AI can genuinely enhance efficiency, spark innovation, or create new service offerings. Don't adopt AI for its own sake, but for strategic advantage.

For communities, it's about fostering an environment that can both attract and integrate AI-driven development in a way that benefits local residents and infrastructure. This involves investing in education, training, and thoughtful policy-making.

Artificial Intelligence isn't merely a trend; it's a foundational shift. The opportunity to participate in this growth is immense, but it demands informed decisions and a forward-thinking mindset. Are you ready to harness its power and navigate its complexities effectively?