Principal Asset Management explains why traditional geographic diversification is becoming harder as AI, energy shocks, and supply chains increasingly connect global markets. China stands out as a more independent diversifier, while Korea and Taiwan remain closely tied to the U.S. AI cycle.
Diversification is becoming harder to achieve
Principal Asset Management
Magdalena Ocampo
Research
6 Pages
Key Takeaways
Index Concentration Risk: Technology now represents nearly 40% of the S&P 500, increasing vulnerability if hyperscaler spending expectations soften across the AI ecosystem.
AI Cycle Exposure: MSCI South Korea and Taiwan equity indices returned roughly 117% and 63% year to date in USD terms as of June 1.
EM Weight Shift: Korea and Taiwan now make up nearly half of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, roughly double their 2020 weight.