AI-related infrastructure among top targets for institutional investors: Nuveen

Atiqah Mokhtar

/ EdgeProp Singapore

February 10, 2026 4:39 PM SGT

propertyeditor@edgeprop.sg

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Some 96% of investors surveyed by Nuveen indicated they are actively investing in AI-related opportunities, which includes cloud infrastructure (Picture: Unsplash)

Infrastructure supporting AI, including data centres and cloud infrastructure, are among the top opportunities that are being actively pursued by institutional investors, based on findings from a survey by global asset manager Nuveen.

The firm’s sixth annual EQuilibrium Global Institutional Investor Survey, which polled 800 institutions from 30 countries, highlights that AI has emerged as the dominant force shaping institutional investment strategy. Over 60% of respondents identified it as the megatrend impacting their decisions over the next five years, followed by energy transition at 40%.

“We’re seeing institutions invest heavily in AI infrastructure and energy production, recalibrate regional exposures in response to trade disruptions and significantly expand their private market allocations,” comments Harriet Steel, global head of institutional distribution at Nuveen.

Some 96% of investors surveyed indicated they are actively investing in AI-related opportunities, which include cloud infrastructure, chip manufacturing and software development.

At the same time, Steel notes that investors’ approach to investing in AI is evolving. While appetite for exposure to cloud infrastructure and semiconductors remains strong, investors are also seeking more direct exposure to the energy production and transmission buildouts required to support the rising demand for AI. Nuveen’s survey found that among investors allocating capital to AI, 39% rate energy production and infrastructure as the biggest investment opportunity.

Within the wider energy landscape, Nuveen’s survey also found that institutional investors are increasingly seeing opportunities, amid rising energy demands and growing appetite for new-energy generation approaches. Nearly two-thirds of respondents acknowledge the growing opportunity for clean energy investments, with impact-focused investors ranking energy innovation and infrastructure projects as top areas for investment.

Meanwhile, Nuveen's report also highlights how heightened uncertainty is impacting capital allocations. Over 90% of survey respondents have made portfolio changes due to trade, tariff and geopolitical issues in 2025. This includes geographical reallocations of capital, with more than a third of investors increasing exposure to Europe, as well as sector reallocations. For the latter, commonly cited areas for increase include AI-related technology, alternative credit and private equity, cryptocurrency and blockchain assets, energy, cybersecurity and healthcare.

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AI-related infrastructure among top targets for institutional investors: Nuveen

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