Long-term investors should focus on structural themes as volatility rises and easy market gains fade
| Photo Credit:
Galeanu Mihai
As we enter 2026, the investment environment is likely to become more nuanced, and it will get more difficult to predict winners. As the market is fully priced and giving only a little headroom, investors should keep their expectations moderate and be selective in stock picking. With fears of global economic slowdown and tariff-related tussle still hanging over the market’s neck, a bout of volatility is likely.
However, it is the volatile market conditions that often give strong returns. It is crucial for investors to focus on the deeper, structural trends that are fundamentally reshaping industries and creating long-term opportunities — far beyond the noise of market cycles. Investors could consider the following themes for wealth building for long term.
Artificial intelligence
India is entering a crucial phase in the artificial intelligence (AI) era, targeting big investments across various industrial sectors and segments. Sensing the opportunity, global biggies such as Amazon, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Google and Intel have lined up investments of nearly $90 billion over the next few years. In fact, acknowledging the importance, the government has scheduled a two-day India AI Impact Summit 2026 on February 19 and February 20.
“By the time of the India AI Summit, we should be able to launch India’s sovereign model.” Electronics and IT Secretary S Krishnan said.
“I think the other important element of what we are targeting is a lot of smaller models which are sector specific, because ultimately the delivery has to be, in the Indian context, something which is meaningful and enhances productivity. Something which delivers to people who most need it in the sectors where AI has to make a difference,” Krishnan said. Affle India, Zensar Technologies, Oracle Corp, Persistent Systems, L&T Tech, Bosch, Tata Elxsi are some of the prominent stocks in this space.
EV chargers
Investors can also consider electric vehicle (EV) chargers more closely, as access to public charging in India is still rudimentary and evolving. According to McKinsey’s Global Automotive Consumer Survey, 55 per cent of EV owners in India have access to home charging, while the remaining 45 per cent rely on alternatives like public, shared, or workplace EV charging facilities to charge their vehicles. There is a huge demand-supply gap, and the government is also addressing the issue.
The Centre and various State Governments are giving a push to EV adoption by formulating suitable EV policies and extending subsidies for developing charging infrastructure. Apart from private players such as ABB, Exicom Tele Systems, Amara Raja Batteries, even the public listed players HPCL, BPCL and IOC are actively expanding into this space.
Office workspace
This is another interesting theme that can give investors an opportunity to create wealth. “Over the past three decades, Global Capability Centers (GCCs) in India have evolved from cost-focused technology hubs into strategic extensions of global headquarters, integrating multiple business functions and driving innovation, R&D, and market growth. This transformation has unfolded across four distinct phases, each marking a leap in capability, role, and strategic value within the global operating model,” said a Deloitte report.
With more GCCs setting up base in India, there would be a strong demand for 50-100 seater offices for training rooms, meeting rooms. Awfis Space Solutions, Dev Accelerator, Smartworks Coworking, WeWork India, Indiqube Space ect are some of the listed players in this space.
Luxury consumption
Investors can also consider stocks from luxury or premium consumer products. India’s consumption story is rapidly transforming – and it’s catching global attention. Driven by a rising middle class, aspirational youth, and expanding urbanisation, consumer spending in India is not just about necessities anymore — it’s about experiences, lifestyle, and upgradation.
There are hosts of listed players such as LG Electronics, Ethos, Titan, Timex Group, Lenskart, Stanley Lifestyles, Wakefit, Responsive Industries, Sheela Foam, Landmark Cars, Greenlam Industries, etc. available in the space.
Before buying, Investors should do a thorough analysis on valuation and fundamentals both on stocks and sectors.
Published on December 26, 2025
