What's at stake as AI boom enters a crossroads in 2026

Here is a look at what is at stake:

- GLENN CHAPMAN

POP GOES THE BUBBLE?

Money is pouring into artificial intelligence, with spending expected to reach more than $2 trillion worldwide in 2026, according to the consulting firm Gartner.

But concern is growing. Stock markets are closely monitoring tech giants Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Nvidia, and startups like OpenAl, amid fears of a speculative bubble.

Several top investors, including Japan's SoftBank and Peter Thiel, divested Nvidia shares in mid-November.

"No company is going to be immune, including us," Google CEO Sundar Pichai warned.

Yet Nvidia reported "off the charts" demand for its chips, indicating the fever continues.

SUPERINTELLIGENCE NOW?

AI innovation raises the spectre of superintelligent machines like those in science fiction.