The AI sector continues to attract significant investor interest, with many optimistic about long-term growth despite ongoing discussions about a potential bubble. Morgan Stanley projects AI could contribute an astounding $40 trillion in efficiency to the global economy. This optimism is reflected in strong stock performances, with Nvidia soaring 1,180% over three years. Alphabet, a long-term AI leader, has seen its stock climb 700% in the last decade, with its Google Search and YouTube driving over $100 billion in quarterly revenue, and its Gemini app now boasts over 650 million users. Nvidia remains a cornerstone of AI infrastructure, reporting a 66% jump in data center revenue to $51 billion last quarter, fueled by demand for its powerful GPUs. The company plans to release its new Vera Rubin chips in 2026, further solidifying its position. Beyond chips, the AI buildout is driving demand for data storage, with Sandisk emerging as the S&P 500's top stock in 2025, gaining 559% after splitting from Western Digital, and growing its share in NAND flash memory. Western Digital and Micron Technology also saw substantial gains due to this demand. Companies are pursuing varied AI strategies. Palantir Technologies excels in enterprise AI with its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), securing deals with clients like TWG Global and the U.S. Navy. Tesla, under Elon Musk, is expanding its AI focus beyond electric vehicles into projects like the Optimus humanoid robot. Apple is adopting an "invisible AI" strategy, embedding intelligence into its over two billion devices globally through software updates, alongside plans for new hardware like the iPhone 18 and a potential foldable iPhone in late 2026. Strategic partnerships are also shaping the AI landscape. Nokia is making a significant move into AI-driven telecommunications, backed by a $1 billion investment from Nvidia in October 2025, aiming to develop AI-native mobile networks for the 6G era. This collaboration integrates Nvidia's computing platforms into Nokia's radio access network portfolio, including the 6G-ready Arc Aerial RAN Computer. Meanwhile, the AI boom is driving corporate bond trading to record highs, with companies borrowing heavily to fund AI projects, and Wall Street firms anticipating record sales of top-rated bonds this year. Shopify also shows strong growth, with billings up 30.8% and projected revenue growth of 25.1% in the next 12 months.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan Stanley predicts AI could add $40 trillion in efficiency to the global economy.
- Nvidia's data center revenue jumped 66% to $51 billion last quarter, with new Vera Rubin chips planned for 2026.
- Alphabet's stock climbed 700% in the last decade, achieving over $100 billion in quarterly revenue, and its Gemini app has over 650 million users.
- Apple's "invisible AI" strategy embeds intelligence into over two billion devices, with new hardware like the iPhone 18 and a potential foldable iPhone expected by late 2026.
- Nokia secured a $1 billion investment from Nvidia in October 2025 to develop AI-native mobile networks for the 6G era.
- Palantir Technologies is expanding its enterprise AI platform (AIP), securing deals with clients including the U.S. Navy.
- Tesla is advancing its AI initiatives beyond electric vehicles, notably with its Optimus humanoid robot project.
- Sandisk was the S&P 500's top stock in 2025, soaring 559% due to high demand for NAND flash memory driven by the AI boom.
- The AI boom is driving corporate bond trading to record levels, with an average of $50 billion in corporate bonds traded daily last year.
- Shopify's billings grew 30.8% over the past year, with projected revenue growth of 25.1% in the next 12 months, aiming for $18.5 billion revenue by 2028.
Investors Weigh AI Stock Future for 2026 and Beyond
Many investors are optimistic about AI stocks' long-term growth, despite worries about a possible bubble. Experts like Donato Riccio and Asit Sharma from The Motley Fool believe AI offers a unique opportunity, even with short-term ups and downs. They suggest focusing on quality stocks, especially those building AI's foundation like semiconductor and data center companies. By choosing the right investments and thinking long-term, investors can benefit from AI's growth while managing risks.
AI Stocks Show Strong Growth Despite Bubble Fears
AI stocks have seen big gains, with Nvidia soaring 1,180% in three years. Many investors worry about a potential bubble, but most Americans, 62%, feel positive about AI companies' long-term returns. Experts like Donato Riccio and Asit Sharma from The Motley Fool see AI as a major opportunity, even with short-term changes. They advise investing in strong companies that build AI's core technology, such as those in semiconductors and data centers, to protect portfolios and gain long-term rewards.
Two Top AI Stocks to Buy and Hold for Decades
Morgan Stanley predicts AI could bring $40 trillion in efficiency to the global economy. Investors can profit by choosing leading tech companies like Nvidia and Alphabet. Nvidia's data center revenue jumped 66% to $51 billion last quarter, driven by demand for its GPUs. The company plans to launch new Vera Rubin chips in 2026. Alphabet, with its Google Search and YouTube, saw its stock climb 700% in the last decade and recently topped $100 billion in quarterly revenue, with its Gemini app having over 650 million users. Both companies are strong bets for long-term AI growth.
Invest in Nvidia and Alphabet for Long Term AI Growth
Morgan Stanley believes AI could add $40 trillion to the global economy. Investors looking to profit should consider top tech companies like Nvidia and Alphabet. Nvidia's data center revenue grew 66% to $51 billion last quarter, driven by its powerful GPUs. The company plans to release its new Vera Rubin chips in 2026. Alphabet has seen its stock rise 700% over the last ten years, with its Google Search and YouTube driving strong growth, and its Gemini app now has over 650 million monthly active users. These companies are well-positioned for continued AI success.
Sandisk Leads S&P 500 with Huge AI Driven Gains
Sandisk was the S&P 500's top stock in 2025, soaring 559% after splitting from Western Digital. Western Digital and Micron Technology also saw big gains, all due to high demand for data storage from the AI boom. Historically, the S&P 500's best stock averages a 78% return the following year. Sandisk is growing its share in NAND flash memory, a key component for AI infrastructure. The AI buildout has caused supply shortages and price increases for all data storage products.
Three Top AI Stocks for Diverse Investment Paths
This article highlights three favorite AI stocks: Palantir Technologies, SoundHound AI, and Tesla. Palantir excels in enterprise AI, with its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) securing deals with clients like TWG Global and the U.S. Navy. SoundHound AI focuses on applied AI, using voice recognition for partners like Motorola Solutions and Snap, and saw its revenue jump 68% in the third quarter. Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk, is making big moves in AI beyond electric vehicles, including its Optimus humanoid robot project. Each company offers a unique way to invest in the growing AI sector.
AI Boom Drives Corporate Bond Trading to Record Highs
The AI boom is causing corporate bond trading to reach new record levels, with companies borrowing heavily to fund AI projects and expand into private credit. Last year, an average of $50 billion in corporate bonds traded daily. Wall Street firms like Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase expect record sales of top-rated bonds this year. Tech and utility companies are issuing longer-term bonds, which create more trading activity and profit opportunities for active traders. While concerns about an AI bubble exist, new trading methods like portfolio trading and bond ETFs have made the market more efficient and reduced trading costs.
Global X BOTZ ETF Offers Smart AI Investment
The Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF, known as BOTZ, is a strong choice for investors looking to enter the AI market. This ETF invests in companies that develop and use robotics and artificial intelligence, including those in industrial robotics, non-industrial robots, and autonomous vehicles. BOTZ holds major players like NVIDIA, Intuitive Surgical, and ABB Ltd, providing a solid base for its performance. Its balanced approach, competitive expense ratio, and focus on both AI development and practical use make it a sensible long-term investment.
Apple's Future Shaped by Invisible AI and New Products
Apple's 2026 performance will likely be driven by its "invisible AI" strategy, which embeds intelligence into its products rather than launching standalone AI tools. This approach reaches over two billion devices globally through software updates. The company also plans to expand its hardware lineup with the anticipated iPhone 18, a potential foldable iPhone in late 2026, new Macs, and refreshed iPads. Services revenue, including App Store and Apple Music, is expected to continue growing at double-digit rates, providing stable income. Analysts predict Apple's stock could range from $250 to $350, supported by these strategic moves and its strong ecosystem.
Nokia Teams with Nvidia for AI Telecom and 6G Future
Nokia is making a major shift into AI-driven telecommunications, backed by a $1 billion investment from Nvidia announced in October 2025. This partnership positions Nokia as a key developer of AI-native mobile networks, especially for the upcoming 6G era. Nvidia's advanced computing platforms will integrate into Nokia's radio access network portfolio, including the 6G-ready Arc Aerial RAN Computer. This strategic move has already boosted Nokia's stock by over 20% and aims to create more efficient, intelligent networks to handle growing AI data demands. T-Mobile US is an early partner, integrating these technologies for 6G development.
Shopify Shows Strong Growth Amid AI Competition
Shopify is showing strong resilience in the AI era, with analysts at Oppenheimer highlighting its ability to thrive. The company's merchant platform covers many channels, and its billings have grown by an average of 30.8% over the past year. Shopify also projects revenue growth of 25.1% in the next 12 months. An expanded agreement with Affirm for Shop Pay Installments further strengthens its financial services. The company aims for $18.5 billion in revenue and $2.7 billion in earnings by 2028, despite intense competition.
Sources
- Should You Really Invest in AI Stocks in 2026? Here's What Other Investors Are Saying
- Should You Really Invest in AI Stocks in 2026? Here's What Other Investors Are Saying
- 2 AI Stocks to Buy in January and Hold for 20 Years
- 2 AI Stocks to Buy in January and Hold for 20 Years
- The S&P 500's Best Stock in 2025 May Soar in 2026 as the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Boom Continues (Hint: Not Palantir)
- My 3 Favorite Artificial Intelligence Stocks to Buy Right Now
- Corporate bond trading hits new heights as AI boom fuels market activity
- The best artificial intelligence ETF to invest $2,000 in right now
- Apple Stocks 2026: How AI and Product Expansion Could Shape AAPL’s Year
- Nokia’s AI Telecom Pivot: $1B Nvidia Investment Boosts 6G and Stock 20%
- Can Shopify (SHOP) Turn AI-Era Resilience and Billing Strength Into Durable Competitive Advantage?
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