AI and the Economy: Will Artificial Intelligence Drive the Next Productivity Boom?

Artificial intelligence has quickly moved beyond a technology discussion. It is now a major economic and investment question shaping markets, corporate spending, productivity expectations, and how investors think about future earnings growth. In this episode of Capital Considerations, Tony Roth speaks with UC Berkeley economist Martin Beraja about AI’s potential impact on productivity, business innovation, capital allocation, labor markets, and long-term economic growth. Martin explains why AI's greatest value may come from helping organizations learn faster, make better decisions, and improve outcomes over time. The conversation also explores what AI could mean for GDP growth, corporate investment, and the future of the U.S. economy. Tony and Martin discuss whether today’s significant spending on AI infrastructure may generate lasting returns, how leading technology companies could compete for dominance, and why investors may need to look beyond the hype to evaluate AI’s long-term impact on businesses, markets, and portfolio strategy.