Google Nears $4 Trillion While Palantir Gains 150 Percent

Chinese AI startup MiniMax made a strong debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on January 9, 2026. Its shares opened at HK$235.40, significantly above its HK$165 IPO price, and surged as much as 79.15%, even reaching a 100% jump to HK$330. The company, founded by Yan Junjie, raised HK$5.54 billion (approximately $619 million) and achieved a valuation of over HK$76.3 billion (around $13 billion). MiniMax, known for its full-modality AI capabilities across text, audio, images, video, and music, became the fastest AI firm to list globally in just four years, attracting investors with its focus on the consumer market through popular apps like Hailuo AI and Talkie.Meanwhile, tech giant Alphabet is rapidly approaching a $4 trillion market capitalization, standing at $3.9 trillion as of January 8, 2026, and needing only a 6% gain to reach this milestone. Analysts predict it could even hit $5 trillion in 2026, requiring a 32% stock increase. This growth follows a 78% surge in its stock during the second half of 2025. CEO Sundar Pichai highlights that AI is expanding Google Search, which continues to drive strong revenue, contributing to the company's $100 billion revenue in the third quarter, a 16% increase, with 72% from advertising. Google Cloud Platform is also noted as its fastest-growing business.The broader AI stock market experienced a robust 2025, with a Morningstar basket of AI companies rising 50.8%, significantly outperforming the overall market's 17.3%. However, the fourth quarter introduced some volatility, seeing Oracle fall 19.5% and Nvidia drop 10.2% to 12.1%. Despite these late-year dips, top performers for the year included Micron, which soared 240%, Lam Research, up 185%, and Palantir Technology, gaining 150%. Analysts still identify opportunities, noting that Adobe and Marvell Technology are trading below their fair value estimates, suggesting potential for investors.Demand for AI chips continues to drive strong performance among semiconductor manufacturers. TSMC, a crucial chipmaker for industry leaders like Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and AMD, reported higher-than-expected revenue on January 9, 2026, fueled by advanced AI accelerator demand for data centers. Mizuho Securities has named Nvidia, Broadcom, and Lumentum as its top semiconductor stock picks for 2026, anticipating strong growth from AI applications. Additionally, data storage company Western Digital saw its stock surge 282% in 2025, with nearly 90% of its revenue coming from the cloud segment due to the high demand for storage in AI data centers.Other notable developments include Cisco Systems adapting its networking hardware business by offering specialized solutions optimized for AI applications, such as high-speed switches and routers, while emphasizing software and services for future growth. Elon Musk's AI startup xAI reported rising losses, with a net loss of $1.46 billion in the September quarter, despite its revenue nearly doubling to $107 million. xAI spent $7.8 billion in cash during the first nine months of 2025 on AI development, integrating its Grok chatbot into X and Tesla vehicles. Separately, Datavault AI's stock dropped 9.3% after its CTO sold 100,000 shares worth $1.05 million.

Key Takeaways

  • Chinese AI startup MiniMax successfully debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on January 9, 2026, raising HK$5.54 billion and reaching a valuation of over HK$76.3 billion (approximately $13 billion).
  • Alphabet's market capitalization is nearing $4 trillion and is predicted to reach $5 trillion in 2026, driven by AI expansion in Google Search and Google Cloud Platform.
  • AI stocks, as a group, saw a 50.8% increase in 2025, significantly outperforming the overall market's 17.3% gain.
  • Top-performing AI stocks in 2025 included Micron (up 240%), Lam Research (up 185%), and Palantir Technology (up 150%).
  • TSMC reported higher-than-expected revenue due to strong demand for advanced AI accelerators from clients such as Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and AMD.
  • Mizuho Securities named Nvidia, Broadcom, and Lumentum as its top semiconductor stock picks for 2026, expecting strong performance in the AI market.
  • Western Digital's stock surged 282% in 2025, with AI data center storage demand driving nearly 90% of its revenue from the cloud segment.
  • Elon Musk's xAI reported a net loss of $1.46 billion in Q3 2025, despite revenue nearly doubling to $107 million, having spent $7.8 billion on AI development.
  • Cisco Systems is adapting to the rise of AI by offering specialized networking solutions optimized for AI applications and emphasizing software and services.
  • Adobe and Marvell Technology are identified by analysts as trading below their fair value estimates, presenting potential investment opportunities.

Chinese AI Firm MiniMax Soars in Hong Kong Debut

Chinese AI startup MiniMax saw its shares jump on its first day of trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday, January 9, 2026. The stock opened at HK$235.40, much higher than its IPO price of HK$165, and rose as much as 79.15%. MiniMax raised HK$5.54 billion and reached a valuation over HK$76.3 billion. The company, founded by Yan Junjie, became the fastest AI firm to list globally in just four years. MiniMax is a leader in general artificial intelligence and one of only four companies with top full-modality capabilities.

MiniMax AI Stock Jumps in Hong Kong Trading

MiniMax Group's shares surged on its Hong Kong debut on January 9, raising HK$4.8 billion for research and development. The stock traded at HK$294, much higher than its HK$165 offer price, valuing the company at about $11.6 billion. Founded in early 2022 by Yan Junjie, MiniMax develops AI models for text, audio, images, video, and music, with popular apps like Hailuo AI and Talkie. Analysts believe MiniMax's focus on the consumer market attracted investors. Its competitor Zhipu AI also saw strong gains after its own debut.

MiniMax Raises $619 Million in Strong Hong Kong IPO

Chinese AI startup MiniMax Group Ltd. successfully raised about $619 million in its Hong Kong IPO on January 8, 2026. The company priced its shares at HK$165 each, the highest end of its range, and sold 29.2 million shares due to high demand. Founded in 2021 by former SenseTime executives, MiniMax creates large language and multimodal AI models that generate text, audio, video, and music. It offers consumer apps and enterprise tools. This successful listing shows strong investor interest in generative AI companies in Hong Kong.

MiniMax Shares Double on Hong Kong Stock Market Debut

Chinese AI startup MiniMax Group saw its shares jump by as much as 100% on its Hong Kong debut on January 9, 2026. The stock opened at HK$165 and reached HK$330, valuing the company at about $13 billion. Founded in early 2022 by Yan Junjie, MiniMax develops multimodal AI models that handle text, audio, images, video, and music. Its monthly active users grew from 3.1 million in 2023 to 27.6 million by September 2025, with most revenue coming from outside China. Despite significant losses of $211 million through September 2025 due to high infrastructure and research costs, investors showed strong confidence in the company's future.

Alphabet Nears $4 Trillion Value in 2026

Alphabet, with a market cap of $3.9 trillion as of January 8, 2026, is predicted to reach a $4 trillion valuation in 2026. The company needs only a 6% gain to hit this milestone. After a slow start in 2025, Alphabet's stock surged 78% in the second half of the year. CEO Sundar Pichai noted that AI is expanding Google Search, which continues to drive strong revenue. In the third quarter, Alphabet reported $100 billion in revenue, a 16% increase, with 72% coming from advertising.

Alphabet Predicted to Hit $5 Trillion Market Cap in 2026

Alphabet, currently valued at $3.8 trillion as of January 6, is predicted to reach a $5 trillion market cap in 2026, requiring a 32% stock increase. Nvidia is the only company to have reached $5 trillion so far. Alphabet's profitability is growing faster than its revenue, thanks to billions invested in AI. In 2025, the company showed strong competition with new AI-equipped Android electronics and Google Cloud Platform becoming its fastest-growing business. Analysts believe Alphabet will find more ways to make money from its AI products, making it a strong investment.

AI Stocks Show Opportunities Despite 2025 Volatility

AI stocks had a strong 2025, with a Morningstar basket of AI companies rising 50.8%, outperforming the overall market. However, the fourth quarter saw volatility, with Oracle falling 19.5% and Nvidia down 10.2%. Top performers for the year included Micron, up 240%, Lam Research, up 185%, and Palantir Technology, up 150%. Analysts see Oracle as undervalued for risk-tolerant investors and Marvell Technology as a top semiconductor pick for 2026. Despite some stocks being overvalued, opportunities remain as AI stocks trade closer to their fair value.

AI Stocks Soared in 2025 Despite Late Year Drops

AI stocks performed very well in 2025, with a Morningstar group of 34 AI companies gaining 50.8%, much higher than the overall market's 17.3%. However, the fourth quarter saw some drops, including Oracle falling 19.4% and Nvidia dropping 12.1%. Micron, Lam Research, and Palantir Technology were among the best performers, rising 240%, 178%, and 150% respectively. Analysts still see opportunities, with Marvell Technology and Adobe trading below their fair value estimates. The market for AI stocks became less expensive by year-end, offering potential for investors.

TSMC Revenue Beats Forecasts on Strong AI Chip Demand

TSMC, a key chipmaker for companies like Nvidia, reported higher-than-expected revenue on January 9, 2026. This boost came from strong demand for data center chips, especially advanced AI accelerators. Global technology giants such as Nvidia, Apple, Qualcomm, Broadcom, and AMD are among TSMC's clients. The company will release its full quarterly earnings next week and provide a forecast for its 2026 capital spending. TSMC had already set aside $40 billion to $42 billion for expansion and upgrades in 2025.

Cisco Systems Adapts to AI and Networking Changes

Cisco Systems, a major player in networking hardware, is seeing its business shaped by digital transformation and the rise of artificial intelligence. The company's fair value estimate is now US$85.43, reflecting strong networking performance and increasing AI-related orders. Cisco is adapting by offering specialized networking solutions optimized for AI applications, such as high-speed switches and routers. While its core networking business remains strong, Cisco faces tough competition in cybersecurity and must transition its hardware-focused model to include more software and cloud-based solutions. The company is emphasizing software and services for future growth.

Elon Musk's xAI Reports Rising Losses Despite Revenue Growth

Elon Musk's AI startup xAI reported a net loss of $1.46 billion for the September quarter, an increase from $1 billion in the first quarter. The company spent $7.8 billion in cash during the first nine months of the year, focusing on building AI agents and software to power future projects like humanoid robots. Despite these losses, xAI's revenue nearly doubled to $107 million in the third quarter of 2025. Grok, xAI's chatbot, is already integrated into X and Tesla vehicles. The company has raised at least $40 billion in equity to fund its aggressive spending on AI development.

Datavault AI Stock Falls After CTO Sells Shares

Datavault AI's stock dropped 9.3% on Friday morning after its Chief Technology Officer, Joshua G. Bradley, sold 100,000 shares. The sale, which happened on January 8th, was worth $1.05 million. After this transaction, Bradley still owns 1,034,104 shares in the company. Datavault AI, which develops data management solutions, went public in 2023 and currently has a market value of $268.5 million.

Mizuho Names Top AI Chip Stocks for 2026

Mizuho Securities has chosen Nvidia, Broadcom, and Lumentum as its top semiconductor stock picks for 2026, expecting them to do very well in the AI market. Analysts believe these companies will benefit from the growing demand for AI applications. Nvidia is recognized for its leading AI hardware, Broadcom for its networking solutions, and Lumentum for its optical components crucial for fast data transfer. Mizuho predicts strong growth for AI-related semiconductor sales due to increased investments in data centers, cloud computing, and advanced analytics.

Western Digital Stock Expected to Outperform in AI Market

Western Digital, a data storage company, is predicted to outperform Palantir in 2026 after its stock surged 282% in 2025. The company, which makes hard-disk drives and solid-state drives, gets nearly 90% of its revenue from the cloud segment due to high demand for storage in AI data centers. CEO Irving Tan noted that AI is driving this strong demand. Experts expect global data to triple by 2028, leading to a 131% increase in HDD shipments. Analysts anticipate a 58% jump in Western Digital's earnings for the current fiscal year, and its stock could reach $319.

Sources

NOTE:

This news brief was generated using AI technology (including, but not limited to, Google Gemini API, Llama, Grok, and Mistral) from aggregated news articles, with minimal to no human editing/review. It is provided for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies or biases. This is not financial, investment, or professional advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please verify all information with the linked original articles in the Sources section below.

Artificial Intelligence Generative AI AI Models Multimodal AI Large Language Models AI Chips AI Accelerators AI Applications AI Development AI Infrastructure Data Centers Cloud Computing Networking Solutions Data Management Robotics Stock Market IPO Market Valuation Investment Fundraising Semiconductor Industry Data Storage Consumer AI Enterprise AI China Hong Kong MiniMax Alphabet Nvidia TSMC Cisco Systems xAI Western Digital Broadcom Lumentum Oracle Micron Palantir Technology Marvell Technology Adobe Datavault AI

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