AMD Unveils Helios AI Alongside Microsoft's Green AI Efforts

The start of 2026 sees a significant surge in the artificial intelligence sector, with several tech companies reporting strong stock performance and increased demand for AI-related products. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) stock, for instance, jumped 5.42% to $225.77 on January 2, driven by optimism for its upcoming Helios AI platform and MI450 products. Analysts at TD Cowen named AMD a "Best Idea for 2026," reaffirming a Buy rating with a $290 price target, citing growth in high-performance computing and data centers. Broadcom Inc. also saw its shares rise 2.8% to $355.71 as AI chip trading stabilized. The company, a key supplier of networking chips and custom AI processors, reports a substantial $73 billion backlog. Meanwhile, China's domestic AI chip sector is booming, fueled by a push for local alternatives amid US export controls. Shanghai Biren Technology Co., an AI chip designer, made a remarkable debut in Hong Kong, with its shares soaring nearly 120% after raising $717 million in its highly popular initial public offering. This robust demand extends beyond chips to supporting infrastructure. Western Digital stock climbed about 8% to $186.30, benefiting from strong AI storage demand and its position as the S&P 500's best performer in 2025. Vertiv, a data center infrastructure provider, also received an upgrade from Barclays, with its stock soaring due to high demand for cooling and power products essential for AI servers. Beyond hardware, companies like Alphabet, Tesla, and IBM are highlighted as top AI stocks for 2026, each offering unique investment opportunities in the expanding AI market. The AI surge also impacts sustainability and emerging markets. Microsoft and Alphabet are leading "Green AI" initiatives, using AI to optimize energy consumption in data centers and pursue carbon-free energy goals. In the cryptocurrency space, DeepSnitch AI, an early-stage project combining meme-coin appeal with utility, saw its token price rise 108% during its presale, raising over $1 million. This reflects broader investor interest, with over $32 billion flowing into regulated crypto ETFs in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• AMD stock surged over 5% on January 2, 2026, driven by strong AI demand and anticipation for its Helios AI platform and MI450 products.
• Broadcom Inc. shares rose nearly 3%, with the company reporting a $73 billion backlog for networking chips and custom AI processors.
• Shanghai Biren Technology Co., a Chinese AI chip designer, saw its shares jump nearly 120% on its Hong Kong debut, raising $717 million in its IPO.
• Baidu's AI chip unit, Kunlunxin, confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO, valued at approximately $3 billion, reflecting China's push for domestic chip development.
• Western Digital stock increased by 8% due to high demand for AI storage, following its strong performance as the S&P 500's best stock in 2025.
• Vertiv, a data center infrastructure provider, received an upgrade from Barclays, benefiting from strong demand for its cooling and power products for AI servers.
• Alphabet, Tesla, and IBM are identified as top AI stocks for 2026, offering diverse investment profiles in the AI market.
• Microsoft and Alphabet are key players in "Green AI," utilizing AI to optimize energy use in data centers and pursue sustainability goals.
• DeepSnitch AI, an early-stage crypto project, saw its token price rise 108% during its presale, raising over $1 million amidst significant inflows into crypto ETFs.
• The surge in Chinese AI chip IPOs, including Biren and Baidu's Kunlunxin, is largely driven by increased demand for local alternatives due to US export controls.

Western Digital Stock Soars 8 Percent on AI Storage Demand

Western Digital stock jumped about 8% to $186.30 on January 2, 2026, driven by strong demand for AI storage. Other storage companies like Seagate, Micron, and Sandisk also saw significant gains. Western Digital was the S&P 500's best-performing stock in 2025, benefiting from its hard disk drives used in cloud data centers. CEO Irving Tan noted strong demand from cloud growth, and the company secured purchase orders through 2026. Investors are now watching upcoming U.S. jobs and inflation reports.

Broadcom Stock Rises Early as AI Chip Demand Stabilizes

Broadcom Inc. shares rose 2.8% to $355.71 on January 2, 2026, as AI chip trading steadied. The company is a key supplier of networking chips and custom AI processors for large data centers and owns VMware. CEO Hock Tan previously noted a $73 billion backlog and warned that more AI revenue might affect profit margins. Investors are closely watching upcoming U.S. jobs and inflation reports for clues on Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. The market will also observe if AI demand remains strong and if margin pressure can be managed.

Biren AI Chip Designer Soars 82 Percent in Hong Kong Debut

Shanghai Biren Technology Co., an AI chip designer, saw its shares jump 82% on its Hong Kong debut. The company raised $717 million in its initial public offering, with the stock opening at HK$35.70 after being priced at HK$19.60. This IPO was highly popular, with retail investors subscribing over 2,300 times. Biren is the first GPU-focused stock to list in Hong Kong, giving it unique value. This debut highlights China's strong push to develop its own chip sector.

Chinese AI Chip Stocks Soar as Biren Debuts in Hong Kong

Chinese tech stocks started 2026 with a strong surge in AI chip IPOs. Shanghai Biren Technology, an AI chip designer, saw its shares jump nearly 120% on its Hong Kong debut on Friday, raising $717 million. The offering was extremely popular, showing high interest in China's domestic AI hardware. This boom is fueled by increased demand for local alternatives due to US export controls on advanced chips. More AI-related IPOs are expected soon, including Baidu's AI chip unit and other startups like MiniMax Group and Zhipu AI.

AMD Stock Rises as New AI Products Drive Growth

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. AMD stock surged 5.42% to $225.77 on January 2, 2026, showing strong momentum from booming AI demand. TD Cowen named AMD one of its "Best Ideas for 2026" and reaffirmed a Buy rating with a $290 price target. Analysts are optimistic about AMD's upcoming Helios AI platform and MI450 products, expected in mid-2026. The company is also advancing its MI300 and MI400 chip lines and building its ROCm software ecosystem. Strong growth in high-performance computing and data centers is boosting AMD's revenue outlook.

DeepSnitch AI Crypto Jumps 108 Percent as Billions Enter ETFs

Over $32 billion flowed into regulated crypto ETFs in 2025, with Bitcoin and Ethereum products leading the way. DeepSnitch AI, an early-stage project, saw its token price rise 108% during its presale, which raised over $1 million. This project combines meme-coin appeal with real utility, offering a test dashboard and live AI snitches. Analysts predict significant growth for DeepSnitch AI, with some seeing 100x potential, especially with rumors of major exchange listings. Bitcoin continues to be a market anchor, while Solana also shows strong institutional interest and whale accumulation.

Baidu Files for Hong Kong IPO of AI Chip Unit Kunlunxin

Baidu's AI chip unit, Kunlunxin, confidentially filed for an initial public offering in Hong Kong on January 1. Kunlunxin began as an internal Baidu project in 2012 but now operates independently, though Baidu remains its main customer. The unit was recently valued at about $3 billion. Baidu plans to keep control, allowing new investors to support its AI hardware growth. This move comes as Hong Kong's IPO market reopens for tech companies, driven by China's push for domestic chip development due to US export restrictions.

Top AI Stocks for 2026 Include Alphabet Tesla and IBM

Investors looking at artificial intelligence stocks for 2026 should consider Alphabet, Tesla, and IBM. Alphabet offers a safe investment due to its diverse business, strong core advertising, and comprehensive AI stack. Tesla presents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity, with CEO Elon Musk betting heavily on its Tesla Optimus humanoid robot. IBM stands out as a rare AI dividend stock, helping clients integrate AI and developing quantum computing systems. Each company offers a different way to invest in the growing AI market.

Vertiv Stock Upgraded by Barclays as AI Demand Grows

Barclays analyst Michael Walkley upgraded Vertiv VRT stock to Overweight, raising its price target to $200 from $181. Vertiv, a provider of data center infrastructure, is seen as a major winner in the artificial intelligence boom. The company's stock has soared this year due to high demand for its cooling and power products, which are essential for AI servers. Walkley highlighted Vertiv's strong order backlog and its ability to meet the increasing need for specialized cooling in high-density AI data centers. He expects Vertiv to continue growing its market share and delivering strong financial results.

Green AI Stocks to Watch in 2026 Include Microsoft and Alphabet

Artificial intelligence is transforming climate and energy solutions, creating a new sector of "Green AI" companies. AI could help reduce emissions by over 10% by 2030, even as data center energy demand rises. Microsoft is a key player, using AI to optimize energy use in its data centers and supporting climate research through its AI for Earth program. Alphabet also uses AI to predict energy demand and manage cooling systems in its data centers, aiming for 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030. These companies combine advanced computing with sustainability goals, positioning them for long-term growth.

Sources

• Western Digital stock jumps 8% today as AI storage names lead early 2026 trade
• Broadcom stock jumps early as AI chip trade steadies to start 2026
• AI Chip Designer Biren to Debut After $717 Million Hong Kong IPO
• Chinese tech stocks charged into 2026 with an AI chip IPO surge and more listings lined up
• AMD Attracts Fresh Optimism as AI Products Set Up a New Growth Phase
• Best Crypto To Invest In December 2025: $32B Floods Into Crypto ETFs As DeepSnitch AI Rises 108%
• Baidu Preps An IPO For Its AI Chip Unit Kunlunxin
• 3 Artificial Intelligence Stocks to Buy in 2026 and Hold for the Rest of the Decade
• Vertiv Stock Is an AI Winner Poised for More Gains, Barclays Analyst Says
• Top 4 Green AI Stocks to Watch in 2026 as AI Reshapes Climate and Energy Solutions