The AI Build-Out Is Just Getting Started

BlackRock's U.S. Head of Equity ETFs, Jay Jacobs, stated that token consumption grew 17 times last year, not 17 percent. Jacobs argued that major large language model providers cannot keep up with AI demand despite massive capital expenditures. The narrative has shifted from concerns about over-investing in capex to worries that companies may be under-investing. The discussion was part of BlackRock's 2026 thematic outlook on Motley Fool Hidden Gems Investing.