AI Stocks Pick Up Steam—and the Nasdaq Tests Records—Ahead of Big Tech Earnings

The Nasdaq jumped 0.7% at the open to trade at 23,986, its highest price since early November. (The index was about flat in recent trading.) Its last record closing high—23,958.47—came on Oct. 29, right before earnings reports from tech giants amplified the debate on Wall Street about an AI bubble, dragging on tech stocks. Why are we back here? Because this year, investors have put those concerns aside to focus on the booming businesses of the companies supplying the technology that enables AI. Why This Is ...