Investors hunting for lasting opportunities should keep an eye on thematic investing, according to Eastspring’s James Woon. He believes that certain thematic sectors, especially in clean energy and technology, are positioned to outperform over the long haul.

Thematic Investing Gains Momentum

More investors have been paying attention to thematic investing recently. It focuses on broader trends shaping our economy and society — things like renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles. These themes go beyond buzzwords—they represent real changes that might transform industries and markets over time.

James Woon, Chief Investment Officer at Eastspring, argues that while many themes are promising, only some will emerge as true winners in the long run. "Not every theme will sustain its growth or translate into profitable investments," Woon said. "But certain sectors backed by strong fundamentals and regulatory support have a clear edge."

Look at clean energy, for example. It's become a major focus globally as governments and companies race to cut carbon emissions. Wind power stands out as a key player in The movement. The U.S. Energy Information Administration recently reported that wind energy capacity in the U.S. Topped 160 gigawatts by the first quarter of 2026, with wind power accounting for about 11% of total electricity generation in 2025 — a figure expected to climb.

Wind Energy: A Leading Thematic Player

Wind energy has grown for clear reasons. It benefits from abundant resources, zero emissions, and falling production costs. Plus, it fits neatly with broader trends driving electricity demand, such as the growth of AI data centers and electric vehicles. The EIA projects that the U.S.

Grid will add nearly 12 gigawatts of wind capacity this year, up from about 7 gigawatts last year.

Projects like the Vineyard Wind 1 in Massachusetts and Revolution Wind in Rhode Island are spearheading this expansion. Offshore wind farms like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind and Empire Wind I Offshore are also set to transform the U.S. Energy landscape. These large-scale developments illustrate the scale and ambition behind wind energy’s growth.

Investors looking to tap into this trend might consider stocks like Duke Energy, Constellation Energy, Consolidated Edison, and DTE Energy. These companies are among those shaping the future of energy production in the U.S., combining stable utilities with innovative renewable projects. Such stocks are popular picks in thematic screens that sift through data to highlight companies benefiting from emerging shifts.

Technology and Energy Demand

It’s not just renewables driving thematic appeal. Technology sectors, especially those intertwined with AI, are pushing electricity demand higher, creating a feedback loop that favors clean energy investments. Data centers, which power AI applications, require massive amounts of power — and many are seeking greener sources to meet sustainability goals.

Electric vehicles (EVs) add fuel to the fire. Automakers worldwide are pivoting toward EVs as part of their climate commitments, causing a surge in electricity consumption and infrastructure needs.

So, the need for dependable, clean energy is growing. Wind energy fits this bill perfectly, offering a scalable and low-emission solution.

That said, woon sees these trends as interconnected forces that could sustain thematic winners over the next decade. "The combination of regulatory support, technological advancement, and consumer demand creates a powerful ecosystem for certain themes," he said. "It’s not just about hype; it’s about real economic shifts."

Picking Winners Among Themes

Thing is, but not every thematic investment will pan out. Woon warns that thematic investing requires careful selection. "Themes can be crowded, and valuations can get stretched," he noted. "Investors should tell the difference between real growth and passing trends."

He points to the importance of fundamental analysis alongside thematic appeal. Companies with solid financials, clear growth trajectories, and strong management are more likely to thrive. The approach can help investors avoid hype-fueled bubbles and focus on long-term value creation.

Along with wind and tech-related power needs, themes like clean energy shifts, digital infrastructure, and green transport are also picking up. Each carries unique risks and opportunities, but all share the potential to reshape markets.

For example, offshore wind development has faced policy shifts, but the sector remains resilient due to its flexibility and scalability. Large projects continue to move forward, signaling confidence in the theme’s staying power. Investors who ignore short-term distractions might spot good opportunities.

Woon’s perspective aligns with broader market trends showing growing allocations to thematic funds and ETFs. These investment vehicles allow exposure to specific themes without betting on single companies, helping spread risk while capturing big-picture trends.

Still, investors should be mindful that thematic investing demands patience. Market cycles, regulatory changes, and technological breakthroughs can all influence outcomes. "Themes that look promising today may take years to fully develop," Woon cautioned. "The payoff often comes with a long-term horizon."

Looking Ahead

What’s next for thematic investing? Woon believes continued innovation and policy focus on sustainability will keep themes like wind energy in the spotlight. The U.S. Government’s commitment to expanding renewable capacity, combined with private sector momentum, sets the stage for ongoing growth.

Meanwhile, technology’s role in shaping energy demand and efficiency will likely deepen. AI, smart grids, and battery advancements could all influence how energy themes evolve.

For investors, the challenge is clear: spot which themes have the strongest foundations and are poised to deliver real returns over time. That means digging into the details, watching policy developments, and monitoring market signals closely.

"Thematic investing isn't just about chasing the latest trend," Woon said. "It's about understanding the forces behind those trends and choosing the ones that are here to stay."

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As wind energy projects scale up and AI-driven demands reshape electricity needs, the long game in thematic investing looks promising. Eastspring’s Woon suggests that the winners will be those aligned with structural economic shifts, backed by solid fundamentals and supported by policy. Investors willing to play the long haul may find significant opportunities in these emerging themes.