The Infrastructure Behind AI, Electrification and Energy Security with Shane Hurst

AI, electrification, renewables & energy security are driving an infrastructure investment boom on a scale Shane Hurst says he hasn’t seen before. ClearBridge Investments portfolio manager joins us to unpack the physical assets sitting beneath these megatrends, from electricity grids & gas pipelines to data centres, water networks & mobile towers, and explains why traditionally defensive utilities are increasingly showing structural growth characteristics. In this episode: 00:00 Why infrastructure is entering a structural growth era 02:34 What actually counts as infrastructure? 08:24 The megatrends driving an infrastructure supercycle 13:36 How the energy grid could transform over the next decade 18:25 The physical infrastructure powering AI 22:04 The biggest risks to the AI infrastructure boom 26:43 Where the trillions in infrastructure investment are flowing 32:26 Active vs passive & how investors can access infrastructure Stocks & ETFs Mentioned: APA Group (ASX: APA), Transurban (ASX: TCL), Atlas Arteria (ASX: ALX), Severn Trent (LSE: SVT), Pennon Group (LSE: PNN), Brookfield Corp (NYSE: BN), Space Exploration Technologies Corp (NASDAQ: SPCX), Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS), ClearBridge Global Infrastructure Value Fund Active ETF (ASX: CUIV), ClearBridge Global Infrastructure Value Fund (Hedged) Active ETF (ASX: CIVH), ClearBridge Global Infrastructure Income Fund (Hedged) Active ETF (ASX: CIIH), ClearBridge Real Income Fund Active ETF (ASX: R3AL) If you'd like to learn more about the megatrends reshaping our economy, and how to invest in the infrastructure behind them, speak to your financial adviser, or visit Franklin Templeton's website for fund information, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, Target Market Determination and a range of investment resources. Franklin Templeton Australia Limited (ABN 76 004 835 849, AFSL 240827) is the Responsible Entity and/or investment manager of the products included in this website. Information on this website is intended to be of general information only and does not constitute investment or financial product advice. It expresses no views as to the suitability of the products or services described as to the individual circumstances, objectives, financial situation, or needs of any investor. You should conduct your own investigation or consult a financial adviser before making any decision to invest. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statements (PDSs), and any associated reference documents before making an investment decision. Neither Franklin Templeton Australia, nor any other company within the Franklin Templeton group guarantees the performance of any Fund, nor do they provide any guarantee in respect of the repayment of your capital. In accordance with the Design and Distribution Obligations, we maintain Target Market Determinations (TMD) for each of our Funds. All documents can be found via the Literature Page or by calling 1800 673 776. ——— Want to get involved in the podcast? Record a voice note or send us a message And come and join the conversation in the Equity Mates Facebook Discussion Group. ——— Want more Equity Mates? Across books, podcasts, video + email, however you want to learn about investing – we’ve got you covered. Keep up with the news moving markets with our daily newsletter and podcast (Apple | Spotify) We’re particularly excited to share our latest show: Basis Points Listen to the podcast (Apple | Spotify) Watch on YouTube Read the monthly email ——— Looking for some of our favourite research tools? Download our free Basics of ETF handbook Or our free 4-step stock checklist Find company information on TIKR Research reports from Good Research Track your portfolio with Sharesight ——— This podcast is intended for education and entertainment purposes only. Any advice is general advice and has not taken into account your personal financial circumstances. Before acting on general advice, you should consider if it is relevant to your needs. If unsure, speak to a financial professional. The host of this podcast and their guests may have positions in the companies mentioned. Equity Mates Media is part of the Betashares Group but maintains editorial independence and operates under Australian Financial Services licence 540697. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.