A decade of redirection
After 15 years of post-crisis liquidity, global capital is concentrating into five themes: energy transition, digital infrastructure, defense, longevity, and food systems. Together they could attract US $25 trillion by 2035 (IMF Capital Flows 2025).
| Theme | Projected Global Investment 2030–2035 (US $ tn) | CAGR % | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy transition | 10.0 | +9 % | IEA 2025 |
| Digital infrastructure | 4.2 | +8 % | ITU 2025 |
| Defense & security | 3.5 | +6 % | SIPRI |
| Health & longevity | 4.1 | +7 % | WHO Finance Outlook |
| Food systems & water | 3.2 | +6 % | FAO 2025 |
Implications for Canada
- Pension and sovereign funds will pivot to long-duration assets in these sectors.
- Domestic firms must align investment theses with these megatrends.
- Policy coherence — permitting, tax credits, and capital markets — will determine share of inflows.
What leaders can do
- Re-benchmark portfolios against megatrend indices.
- Co-invest with global partners in energy and digital infrastructure.
- Use scenario planning for capital-flow shocks and dollar cycles.
- Link national policy advocacy to global capital priorities.
Arcus Insight: Capital always finds certainty. Canada’s opportunity is to offer it — through stable policy, credible regulation, and investment speed.