AI Just Beat Analysts at Their Own Game (But Don't Panic Yet)
CFA Institute experiment: Six AI models vs. human equity analysts
As AI rapidly advances in finance, we're seeing more studies pitting algorithms against human expertise. The latest example? The CFA Institute ran six AI models head-to-head with human equity analysts, who wrote SWOT analyses on three companies. The winner? AI took the crown for its specificity and ability to spot blind spots. |
However, the study's author was quick to note that "analysts still hold the edge in interpreting nuance, understanding context, and reading between the lines." In other words, AI can crunch data and generate solid analyses, but it can't read a CEO's nervous laugh on an earnings call or sense when management is dodging questions. |
How we feel about this. |
This isn't a zero-sum game. The narrative that AI will replace analysts misses the point entirely. Smart analysts aren't competing with AI; they're using it as a research accelerator. While AI handles the heavy lifting in data synthesis, analysts focus on what humans excel at: pattern recognition, critical thinking, and connecting dots that don't appear in datasets. |
What you should do. |
If you're an analyst or research manager, start experimenting with AI tools now. Use them for first-draft research, data gathering, and initial analysis. Then apply your human judgment to what the AI surfaces. |
Why? |
The edge isn't knowing more facts, it's knowing which facts actually matter. The analysts who thrive will be those who leverage AI to go deeper, not those who fear it. |
🧩 Related: CFA Institute: Outperformed by AI: Time to Replace Your Analyst? |