Investment Insights June 2026: Ageing, AI, and new investment fault lines

8 June 2026

Our monthly look at investments, economies, and markets

Rathbones Investment Management

Article last updated 11 June 2026.

Our June edition features three stories — read online versions via the links below or download a PDF with all three articles.

In this edition:

Markets climbing through uncertainty — Global equities continue to rise despite geopolitical tension, fears of US stock overvaluations, and the potential banana skins for the AI investment boom that’s helping drive markets higher.
Ageing populations reshaping markets — How demographic shifts are creating new winners and losers across sectors as societies adapt to older populations.
AI’s growing infrastructure strain — The investment case for preventing the AI cloud from draining the river, and why resource bottlenecks are becoming a new fault line.

5 mins

8 June 2026

Troubled waters? The investment case for stopping the AI cloud from draining the river

As AI drives rapid data‑centre growth, rising water use is becoming a significant climate and investment risk, pushing companies to look at more efficient cooling and better reporting.

Troubled waters? The investment case for stopping the AI cloud from draining the river

3 mins

8 June 2026

Investing in demographics: Beds, sheds and meds

Ageing populations are reshaping property markets, boosting demand for warehousing, later-life accommodation, and seaside retreats

Investing in demographics: Beds, sheds and meds

3 mins

8 June 2026

Investing in demographics: Trips, treats, and tools

As retired people gain the time to spend, travel, luxury and home‑improvement brands stand to benefit, while businesses catering to the young face headwinds.

Investing in demographics: Trips, treats, and tools

Download these articles in a single PDF file

Snapshot

The global economy and markets

Figure of the month

19 out of 24

Leaders with negative net approval ratings (more disapproving than approving) across a selection of democracies. Although Keir Starmer ranked third from bottom, at minus 38%, the broadly negative figures reflect the pressures of leading countries where economic growth has often disappointed. This dissatisfaction can itself disrupt economies by reducing political stability.

At a glance

9.3%

Rise in S&P 500 Index since end of February

3.7%

Fall in Indian rupee vs dollar since end of February

1.8%

Year-on-year fall in UK business investment in Q1 2026

3.2%

Eurozone inflation rate reached in May

Key market indicators

Equities

Total return (1 June 2021 = 100)

Government bonds

10-year yields (%)

Sterling

Value of £1 in dollars and euros

Gold

US dollars per troy ounce

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