Los españoles dejan que la IA elija sus inversiones

The majority of small Spanish investors are allowing artificial intelligence (AI) tools or agents to make their investment decisions. Large investors, such as banks, asset managers, institutional and broker firms, have begun incorporating AI into their investment processes. While AI does not have the final say for these major market players, it is an essential component until a position in an asset is opened, closed or modified.

Small investors have taken it a step further, entrusting AI to act as their financial advisor and using the outcomes generated by the tools as investment advice. According to the Retail Investor Beat (RIB) report by eToro, 58% of Spanish investors are willing to let AI make their investment decisions through tools like ChatGPT or individual AI agents.

This percentage is higher than the 56% global average of investors who are open to allowing AI to choose their investments as this technology becomes more integrated into their toolkit. Javier Molina, eToro's spokesperson in Spain, emphasizes the importance of combining AI's analytical capabilities with human judgment and proper risk management.

He stresses the necessity of establishing a strategy based on individual investment goals, especially in light of the massive spending by leading tech companies on AI, particularly in AI magnates like the Seven Magnificent.

Nearly half of the Spanish investors surveyed by eToro believe that their investment in the Seven Magnificent companies is increased due to their AI spending, as they perceive such a strategy to be highly profitable for their businesses. This growing enthusiasm for AI spending and entering these companies is also influenced by generational factors. Only 24% of global baby boomers say that the investment plans of the technology giants make them more inclined to invest in them.

The Spanish investor does not perceive the heavy AI spending as a problem at the moment but rather as a necessary investment to maintain their leadership position. Now, the focus is on translating this spending into productivity, revenue, and visible returns, according to Molina. However, despite the moderation of expectations regarding AI stocks in general, 43% of small investors predict the Seven Magnificent companies to outperform the general market in 2026, compared to just 10% who expect underperformance from this group.

This optimism also reflects in the general sector preferences, with the technology sector emerging as the top choice for increasing investment, surpassing the 18% from a year ago and outpacing financial services and energy at 12% and 10%, respectively.

Nevertheless, this optimism comes at a time when expectations about general AI-related stocks are moderating. Among individual investors, 44% anticipate AI stocks to rise in 2026, a significant drop from the 55% who predicted the same a year ago, while the proportion expecting a decline has risen from 11% to 18%, according to the eToro study.