15 Best European AI Stocks According to Morgan Stanley

2. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 37

Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) engages in exploring, mining, and processing mineral resources worldwide. It is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Investors who have studied AI in great detail understand that there are some long-term AI plays in Europe other than software and chip firms. One of these long-term bets is linked to the rise in demand for copper as large firms commit billions towards the development of AI data centers. Copper, one of the premier mining operations of Rio Tinto, is one such commodity. It is used extensively in AI data centers. Even though leading AI chips are made of silicon, copper has a key role, interconnecting the integrated circuitry within these chips.

AI-linked demand has led to a shortage in copper supplies, sending prices above $11,000 a metric ton back in May this year. Rio Tinto Group (NYSE:RIO) is one of the biggest beneficiaries from this AI boom. Half-year earnings released by the firm in July reveal that higher copper production and prices have helped to offset a slightly lower production and prices from the dominant iron ore business.