CNBC · 20 Oct, 10:39 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

HSBC CEO warns the AI boom won’t make every data center a good bet

HSBC’s chief executive officer has cautioned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence does not guarantee universal profitability for data centre investments.

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The briefing

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HSBC’s chief executive officer has cautioned that the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence does not guarantee universal profitability for data centre investments. While AI demand is surging, the CEO suggests that not every facility will yield positive returns, highlighting potential oversupply risks and varying regional efficiencies. This statement challenges the prevailing market assumption that any data centre infrastructure will automatically benefit from the AI boom, urging investors and industry stakeholders to scrutinise the economic viability of specific projects rather than assuming broad-based success across the sector.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

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