Bank of America Institute describes the first half of this decade as a macro world of quantitative easing, GDP booms and inflation shocks – all on the heels of a global pandemic – and predicts the next five years will see a shift toward more micro themes.

From AI to geopolitics and generational shifts to resource bottlenecks, the bank identified major themes that will shape our world.

1. Technology is eating the world.

Technology is moving us to a new phase in the next five years. Powered by the AI revolution, we predict technology prices to plummet and foresee AI’s integration in all aspects of our lives, while witnessing its game-changing role in leap-frogging innovation.

2. Digital insecurity.

Technology risks pose serious concern. These include cybersecurity hacks, AI agents displacing human workers, the rise of fake news and the spread of mis/disinformation, and social media addiction leading to loneliness.

3. More of… everything!

A transforming world has transforming needs. Exponential growth of technology will require significantly more resources and infrastructure, adding to the already growing requirements from population growth.

The rise of AI is accelerating demand for data, computing power, bandwidth and expanded infrastructure such as energy, water, commodities and data centers. Several bottlenecks are already emerging in these areas, as well as gaps in the skills and human capital required to deliver them.

4. Rebuilding everything!

Global infrastructure needs to be expanded and modernized to accommodate converging demographic, sustainability and innovation trends. But there’s a funding gap – $94 trillion is required globally by 2040¹, and an estimated $500 billion is needed each year by 2030 on top of available public funds.²

This spans several structural trends – including decarbonization, electrification, disruptive technologies, reshoring, shifting demographics and aging of existing assets – all requiring a significant increase in infrastructure investment.

5. The rise of Zoomers… and Boomers!

Over the next decade, BofA Global Research expects the consumption patterns of Gen Z and aging Baby Boomers to have a strong influence on the global economy. Why? Gen Z’s preferences are shifting away from the old economy towards tech-compatibility, sustainability, and new media, and an aging population (i.e. Boomers) entails greater spend on healthcare, elderly care, leisure, and financials.

6. Health as the new wealth.

From AI integration into drug development to Hippocratic healthcare agents potentially filling the health worker shortage to the boom of GLP-1s, the healthcare industry will undergo significant transformation over the coming years.

With health and wellness now a larger market than many global mega-industries, this will have a significant impact on our lives.

For a more in-depth look at these trends, check out our full analysis here.

¹ Oxford Economics

² Brookfield