Rio Tinto’s Results Make the Case for Looking Beyond Tech in the AI Trade

Rio Tinto reported strong first-half results with significant increases in EBITDA, free cash flow, and underlying earnings, leading to a higher interim dividend. This performance highlights a broader shift towards physical assets, especially as demand for copper, aluminum, and lithium grows due to AI infrastructure, electrification, and grid expansion. Despite these strong fundamentals, Rio Tinto's stock has pulled back from its 2026 highs, potentially offering an entry point for investors seeking diversified exposure to the hard asset sector amidst ongoing technological advancements.