Paul Wick of Seligman Investments has piloted his winning fund through numerous technology cycles. How he is playing AI, and why he is skeptical of quantum computing stocks. ...

Market Overview - The Dow is up approximately 270 points, with the S&P 500 increasing by about 0.3% and the NASDAQ rising by 0.2% [1][2]. - All three major indices are on track for five consecutive days of gains, indicating a potential Santa rally [2]. Sector Performance - Leading sectors include real estate, financials, consumer staples, healthcare, and industrials, contributing to the gains in the NASDAQ 100 [3]. - Notable stock movements include Apple up 1%, Amazon and Meta slightly higher, and Micron increasing by over 3% [3]. Precious Metals - Gold prices are above $4,500 per troy ounce, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 70%, while silver futures are up 140% [4][5]. - Central banks have been purchasing gold, and expectations of easing rates have contributed to the gold rally [5]. - Some strategists warn of potential volatility, citing historical patterns where significant price increases were followed by sharp declines [6][7]. AI and Technology Outlook - The prevalence of AI has significantly impacted market dynamics, with many companies in the S&P 500 benefiting from AI advancements [9]. - The focus is shifting towards the "magnificent 493" companies, which are expected to harness AI for improved efficiency and growth [12]. - Companies like Broadcom are well-positioned in the AI sector, with expectations of doubling their AI business by 2026 [20]. Healthcare Sector - The healthcare sector is anticipated to see long-term growth, particularly in recurring revenue businesses that provide tools to the healthcare industry [22][23]. - Companies like Thermo Fisher and Agilent Metler Toledo are highlighted as key players benefiting from improving demand [22]. Defense Sector - The defense industry is expected to experience significant growth, particularly with European NATO spending projected to triple over the next decade [25]. - Companies with strong recurring revenue models in the defense sector, such as Haiko and General Electric, are well-positioned to benefit from this trend [25][26]. IPO Market Outlook - 2026 is anticipated to be a significant year for IPOs, with a backlog of solid private companies ready to go public [34]. - Factors contributing to optimism include a stable market environment, declining interest rates, and successful high-profile IPOs potentially driving further interest [36][39]. Cryptocurrency Market - Bitcoin is currently trading between $85,000 and $90,000, struggling to regain momentum after a sharp decline from its record high [31][32]. - The cryptocurrency market is facing challenges, with regulatory developments impacting sentiment [102].

Group 1: Tesla - Tesla's stock closed down 0.03% with a trading volume of $1.97 billion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition on November 24, 2025, requesting an investigation into the mechanical door unlocking mechanism of the 2022 Model 3 due to design issues and difficulty in emergency situations [1][6]. Group 2: Nvidia - Nvidia's stock fell 0.32% with a trading volume of $12.20 billion. Reports indicate that Nvidia has halted testing of high-end chips using Intel's 18A process technology, negatively impacting Intel's stock price. Nvidia has decided not to pursue further collaboration with Intel [1][6][7]. Group 3: Micron Technology - Micron Technology's stock rose 3.77% with a trading volume of $5.12 billion. Argus Research raised Micron's target price from $210 to $320, citing growth driven by artificial intelligence solutions and recovering demand across multiple end markets [1][7]. Group 4: Broadcom - Broadcom's stock increased by 0.26% with a trading volume of $3.96 billion. Citigroup expressed optimism about the AI supercycle extending until 2026, maintaining a positive outlook on Nvidia, Broadcom, and Micron Technology [2][7]. Group 5: Google - Google's Class A shares fell 0.08% with a trading volume of $3.08 billion. Reports suggest that Google has made significant advancements in AI, prompting a "Code Red" alert from OpenAI's CEO in response to the competitive threat posed by Google's Gemini 3 model. Predictions indicate that Google may become one of the strongest performers among the "Magnificent Seven" in 2026 [2][7]. Group 6: Nike - Nike's stock rose 4.64% with a trading volume of $2.12 billion. Apple CEO Tim Cook purchased $2.95 million worth of Nike shares, marking his first personal investment in the company, which is seen as a strong signal of confidence in Nike's future value [3][6][9]. Group 7: Costco - Costco's stock increased by 2% with a trading volume of $1.54 billion. Wells Fargo lowered Costco's target price from $1,000 to $900 while maintaining a "hold" rating [10].

Core Insights - Broadcom's semiconductor revenues are significantly boosted by the rising demand for XPUs, essential for training Generative AI models, with AI revenues increasing 74% year over year to $6.5 billion in Q4 FY25 [1][9] - The company has secured substantial orders from Alphabet's Anthropic, totaling $21 billion, which is expected to drive AI revenues to $8.2 billion in Q1 FY26, doubling year over year [2][9] - Broadcom's networking products, particularly the Tomahawk 6 switch and Jericho 4 router, are experiencing strong demand, contributing to anticipated semiconductor revenues of $12.3 billion in Q1 FY26, reflecting a 50% year-over-year growth [3] Company Performance - Broadcom's share price has appreciated by 45.7% over the past year, outperforming the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector, which returned 21.6% [7][8] - The company's forward 12-month price/earnings ratio stands at 33.89X, higher than the sector's 27.78X, indicating a premium valuation [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings is projected at $9.69 per share, suggesting a 42.1% growth from fiscal 2025's reported figures [14] Competitive Landscape - Broadcom faces intense competition in the semiconductor market from NVIDIA and Marvell Technology, both of which are capitalizing on the growing demand for AI and data center solutions [4][5][6] - NVIDIA's data center revenues surged 66% year over year, while Marvell Technology's data center revenues increased by 39% year over year, highlighting the competitive pressures Broadcom is encountering [5][6] Customer Base Expansion - Broadcom's expanding clientele now includes major players like Anthropic, which has contributed to a significant order backlog exceeding $10 billion for AI switches [2][9] - The company has established partnerships with notable firms such as OpenAI, Walmart, and Meta Platforms, enhancing its market position [3]

Broadcom's (AVGO) Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer, Mark David Brazeal, recently sold 38,281 AVGO shares valued at $12.54 million, unloading stock in the $322.29 to $345.01 per share range. The timing of the sale is notable as it came amid growing investor skepticism about returns on massive AI infrastructure investments, even as Broadcom reported strong quarterly results that beat analyst expectations. More News from Barchart The semiconductor giant's stock has experienced unusual volatility ...

Core Insights - The article provides a comprehensive analysis of Broadcom and its position within the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry, highlighting key financial metrics and growth prospects for investors [1] Company Overview - Broadcom is a leading semiconductor company that has diversified into infrastructure software, serving sectors such as computing and connectivity, and has a notable presence in custom AI chips [2] - The company is primarily a fabless designer but also engages in some in-house manufacturing, resulting from the consolidation of various former companies [2] Financial Metrics - Broadcom has a Price to Earnings (P/E) ratio of 73.23, which is 0.77x lower than the industry average, indicating potential for growth at a reasonable price [3] - The Price to Book (P/B) ratio stands at 20.37, which is 2.33x the industry average, suggesting that Broadcom may be overvalued in terms of book value [3] - The Price to Sales (P/S) ratio is relatively high at 26.54, which is 2.31x the industry average, indicating potential overvaluation based on sales performance [5] - The Return on Equity (ROE) is 11.02%, which is 5.69% above the industry average, reflecting efficient use of equity to generate profits [5] - Broadcom's Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) is $9.86 billion, which is 0.25x below the industry average, suggesting lower profitability [5] - The gross profit is $12.25 billion, indicating a performance that is 0.36x below the industry average, which may reflect challenges in revenue generation after production costs [5] - The revenue growth rate of 28.18% is below the industry average of 33.38%, indicating potential struggles in increasing sales volume [5] Debt to Equity Ratio - Broadcom has a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.8, suggesting a balanced financial structure with a reasonable level of debt and reliance on equity financing [8]

Oracle Analysis - Oracle is currently stabilizing around its previous price levels, with concerns regarding AI infrastructure and profitability impacting market sentiment [1] - Long-term traders are beginning to identify value in Oracle as a key player in the AI infrastructure sector [1] Micron Analysis - Micron is expected to experience a rally, being one of the more bullish stocks in the market, with a potential challenge to the $280 level [3] - The upcoming ex-dividend date may attract investors looking for the small dividend, which could provide short-term buying opportunities [4] Market Trends - A potential death cross is forming in the market, with the 50-day EMA crossing below the 200-day EMA, although this is often a late signal [2] - The market remains strong, with short-term pullbacks viewed as buying opportunities, particularly down to the 50-day EMA at $227.27 [4]

Core Viewpoint - The artificial intelligence (AI) industry is experiencing a continuous surge and expansion, contrary to skeptics who believe the sector's valuations are excessively high [1][7] Semiconductor Industry Outlook - A report predicts that global semiconductor sales will see a 30% year-on-year increase by 2026, with annual sales surpassing $1 trillion for the first time [1][8] - The potential market size for AI data center systems is expected to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38% [1][8] - The AI accelerator segment alone presents a market opportunity of $900 billion [1][8] Key Companies and Investment Recommendations - Nvidia and Broadcom are identified as the leading companies in the AI transformation, with four additional semiconductor firms—Lam Research, KLA, Analog Devices, and Cadence Design Systems—recommended as top picks for 2026 [1][8] - Nvidia's stock has risen over 40% this year, and its future free cash flow is projected to reach $500 billion over the next three years, indicating a potentially undervalued stock despite market concerns [4][11] - Broadcom's stock has increased by over 50% this year, with a market capitalization of $1.6 trillion, transitioning from a chip supplier to a core player in AI infrastructure [6][12] Market Sentiment and Investment Challenges - Despite promising data, market sentiment remains cautious due to the high capital expenditure required for AI data centers, estimated at over $60 billion for a standard 1 gigawatt facility [2][9] - The significant investments in AI are viewed as essential for companies to maintain their market positions, with a focus on long-term strategic positioning [3][10] - The semiconductor industry's journey towards a $1 trillion scale is expected to be turbulent, with no stock being risk-free, yet the selected companies possess strong market dominance with market shares typically between 70% and 75% [12]

Nvidia (NVDA), Broadcom (AVGO), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) stocks are the top three artificial intelligence (AI) stocks to buy now and into 2026.Artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, as a group, have been among the best-performing groups in 2025, just as they were in 2024. Three AI stocks that were big winners in 2025, as of Dec. 23, and that I believe will be big winners again in 2026, are Nvidia (NVDA +3.00%), Broadcom (AVGO +2.31%), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, or TSM (TSM +1. ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the advancements and market trends in the CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) technology within the optical communication industry, highlighting its growing importance for AI and data center applications [2][5]. Group 1: CPO Technology Developments - Nvidia announced the adoption of single-channel 200G CPO technology in its InfiniBand and Ethernet switches in March [2]. - Meta's testing in September demonstrated the reliability of Broadcom's previous CPO products, leading to Broadcom's launch of its third-generation single-channel 200G CPO product in October [2]. - At the TEF conference in December, Nvidia reported that AI clusters based on CPO switches showed a tenfold improvement in reliability compared to systems using pluggable optical modules, translating to a fivefold increase in cluster uptime [2]. Group 2: Market Trends and Predictions - Ciena's acquisition of Nubis Communications and Marvell's acquisition of Celestial AI indicate major companies' focus on CPO technology, with expectations of more M&A activities in this space by early 2026 [5]. - Currently, CPO applications are limited to Scale-Out network design switches, with the next challenge being to extend Scale-Up interconnects beyond single racks, aiming to scale GPU clusters from 128-144 chips to 500-1000 chips for accelerated AI training [5]. - Amazon is using AEC to interconnect Trainium accelerators across two racks, but this may not scale well to more racks, while Huawei employs 800G pluggable LPO optical modules in its vertical Scale-Up network [5]. Group 3: Future Market Outlook - LightCounting has raised its market forecast for CPO, which now includes 1.6T and 3.2T ports for Scale-Up scenarios with transmission distances under 50 meters [5]. - Broadcom and Nvidia are expected to launch integrated CPO Scale-Up switches, GPUs, or XPUs by 2026, with shipments starting in 2027 [8]. - By 2030, the market size for CPO engines covering both Scale-Up and Scale-Out scenarios is projected to reach $10 billion, with nearly 100 million CPO ports expected to be shipped [8].