Artificial intelligence is driving a significant increase in earnings forecasts for Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) companies, according to Macquarie analysts.The bank reports that AI-related cost savings and productivity gains are expected to boost corporate earnings by 11.1% over the next 12 months.Analysts have raised profit forecasts by 15% for ASX firms ahead of the August reporting season, signaling strong investor confidence.While the local sharemarket had a subdued financial year with the S&P/ASX 200 returning just 2.8%, the AI boom is seen as a structural tailwind.Key sectors like resources are forecast to deliver 17.3% profit growth, with banks at 8.3%.Technology and retail stocks are also expected to rebound if market confidence in the Reserve Bank's rate policy stabilizes.

Analysts recommend focusing on companies with strong positioning for higher interest rates and avoiding big banks due to risks like falling house prices.

Specific stocks like Hansen Technologies and Gentrack are highlighted as potential beneficiaries, while dividend-focused investments are also noted as viable options for investors.