Editorial
For countries like Iran, any discussion about artificial intelligence and the future of stock markets must begin with current economic realities. In recent years, the Iranian economy has faced sanctions, political uncertainty, regional tensions and delays in economic decision-making. Under such conditions, markets respond more to geopolitical developments and external risks than to innovation, productivity or technological progress.
Still, there is hope that the country can move away from conflict and toward greater stability and predictability. If confidence gradually returns to the economy, the stock market could become one of the first sectors to benefit. Many Iranian companies continue to trade below their real potential, and improvements in the business climate could create room for stronger growth in productivity, investment and corporate value.
This issue becomes even more important as artificial intelligence reshapes the global economy. AI is rapidly increasing productivity and changing the structure of production across industries. In the past, work itself was often the main path to participating in economic growth. But AI now allows companies to produce more goods and services with fewer workers. As a result, a larger share of economic value may increasingly flow toward company profits and capital ownership rather than wages alone.
That shift could redefine the relationship between labor, income and wealth. Returns on capital may rise faster than salaries, making ownership more important in determining who benefits from future economic expansion. In this environment, stock ownership is no longer simply a financial activity or a form of short-term trading. It is a way of participating in the businesses that will shape the future economy.
For ordinary citizens, this does not necessarily mean engaging in speculative daily trading. Participation can come through investment funds, pension funds, diversified portfolios or even ownership in small and medium-sized enterprises. The main objective is not speculation, but sharing in the value created by future economic growth.
Artificial intelligence may also increase economic concentration. AI systems require enormous amounts of data, infrastructure, computing power and investment. These conditions naturally favor larger firms with stronger access to capital and technology. Over time, this could widen the gap between people who own productive assets and those who rely only on labor income.
At the same time, this transformation does not mean that human skills or expertise are becoming irrelevant. Creativity, judgment, experience and human relationships will continue to matter. But the structure of personal income may gradually evolve, with ownership playing a greater role than before.
In the years ahead, the key economic divide may not simply be between high-income and low-income groups. Instead, it may emerge between those who own part of the future economy and those who do not. From this perspective, being a shareholder is no longer just an investment decision. It is increasingly becoming a strategy for remaining connected to growth, technology and opportunity in the AI-driven economy.
