Goldman Sachs has identified cyclical sectors as the key investment opportunity for 2026, diverging from the current focus on artificial intelligence and tech giants. According to a recent report, the bank anticipates significant earnings per share (EPS) growth in sectors like industrials, materials, and consumer discretionary, with industrial EPS potentially rising from 4% to 15% and real estate from 5% to 15%. In contrast, EPS growth for tech companies is expected to slow from 26% in 2025 to 24% in 2026. The report suggests that despite the recent strong performance of cyclical stocks, the market has not fully accounted for the potential economic acceleration in 2026. Goldman Sachs forecasts a 12% growth in S&P 500 EPS, driven by an overall boost in U.S. economic growth. Analysts caution that while AI remains a hot topic, its benefits may already be priced into the market, making cyclical sectors a more attractive investment opportunity.