Vanguard Information Tech ETF (ARCA: VGT)

最新ニュース Vanguard Information Tech ETF (ARCA:VGT)

Vanguard Information Tech ETF

Vanguard Information Tech ETF - DNQ

Technology

Industrials

Communication Services

Financial Services

Other

Basic Materials

Healthcare

Consumer Cyclical

The fund employs an indexing investment approach designed to track the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Index/Information Technology 25/50, an index made up of stocks of large, mid-size, and small U.S. companies within the information technology sector, as classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard. The Advisor attempts to replicate the target index by seeking to invest all, or substantially all, of its assets in the stocks that make up the index, in order to hold each stock in approximately the same proportion as its weighting in the index. It is non-diversified.

Microsoft Corp

Apple Inc

Nvidia Corp.

Broadcom Inc

Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Adobe Inc

Salesforce Inc.

Oracle Corp.

Qualcomm Inc.

Applied Materials, Inc.

Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF

Analyst Color

Equities

News

Tech

AAPL

INTC

NVDA

ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long NVIDIA Daily Target ETF

NVDX

PLTR

SOXL

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

先週8月2日に終了した週は、テクノロジースペースが下落し、テクノロジー選択セレクトセクターSPDRファンド（NYSE：XLK）が5%以上下げ、大型株企業の業績を測るS&amp;P500指数を下回った。今週、テック市場を駆りたてた要因と、これらの株が近期および中期に向けて向かっている方向をまとめた。

大型企業株　S&amp;P500株をSPDRファンドが下回る

VGTel Inc

Microsoft&nbsp;Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42890164/microsoft-plans-to-slash-jobs-again-when-people-are-not-performing-we-take-the-appropriate-action" rel="noreferrer noopener">pause hiring in</a> part of its consulting business in the US, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/14/microsoft-pauses-hiring-in-us-consulting-unit-memo-says.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> from an internal memo.&nbsp;
The company expects the cuts to affect less than 1% of its workforce.
Rival tech companies — Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) — have slashed workforces, citing cost cuts to tackle the pandemic-induced slowdown, efficiency drive, artificial intelligence expansion drive, and more.
The memo also urged employees to swap travel for internal meetings and remote sessions. Additionally, executives must authorize trips to customers&#8217; sites to justify the spending. The group looks to slash its marketing and nonbillable external resource spending by 35%.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42974632/us-listed-chinese-stocks-rally-on-strong-trade-data-central-bank-support-goldman-forecasts-20-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Listed Chinese Stocks Rally on Strong Trade Data, Central Bank Support, Goldman Forecasts 20% Growth</a>
The consulting division&#8217;s growth lagged behind Microsoft&#8217;s productivity software subscriptions and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41636770/microsoft-q1-earnings-highlights-ai-driven-transformation-is-changing-work-company-beats-revenue-ep" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Azure cloud computing businesses</a>.
Reportedly, in fiscal 2025, Microsoft&nbsp;committed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42980720/microsoft-taps-meta-veteran-to-lead-new-coreai-division-plans-shift-from-openai-dependence">$80 billion&nbsp;to</a> its AI ambitions including developing data centers to train&nbsp;AI models. Also, this week, the company launched the CoreAI division to streamline AI tools and build AI apps.
The Redmond, Washington-based company laid off 10,000 employees in early 2023, implying 4%-5% of its workforce. In January 2024, after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/01/36783057/microsofts-major-gaming-shake-up-1-900-layoffs-and-leadership-changes-in-post-acquisition-strategy">completing the Activision Blizzard acquisition</a>, Microsoft&#8217;s gaming unit cut 1,900 jobs.
In 2023, Google <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/36020949/big-tech-prioritize-cost-control-and-ai-scaling-back-workforce-despite-business-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">slashed 12,000 jobs</a>, affecting ~6% of its workforce. Since November 2022, Meta has claimed to have laid off 21,000 employees, implying 25% of its workforce. 
Amazon cut 27,000 roles in 2023. The sector let go of 141,516 employees in the first half of 2023 compared with about 6,000 a year ago, according to Challenger, Gray &amp; Christmas.
Microsoft stock gained close to 7% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Technology (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>).
Price Action: Microsoft stock is up 0.04% at $415.84 premarket at last check Wednesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42970112/nvidia-order-delays-and-ai-sanctions-threaten-global-sales-offer-growth-opportunity-for-us-tech-giants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Semiconductor Sanctions Spell Trouble for Nvidia, But May Benefit Big Tech</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Media

AMZN

GOOG

GOOGL

MSFT

Microsoft To Cut Costs, Pause Hiring In US Consulting, Tighten Spending

On Monday, Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/microsoft" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced the creation</a> of a new engineering organization called CoreAI—Platform and Tools.
This new <a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2025/01/13/introducing-core-ai-platform-and-tools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">division </a>will bring together the Dev Div, AI Platform, and some key teams from the Office of the CTO (AI Supercomputer, AI Agentic Runtimes, and Engineering Thrive) to build the end-to-end Copilot and AI stack for its customers to build and run AI apps and agents. The group will also build out GitHub Copilot.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41428765/microsoft-salesforce-battle-heats-up-as-ai-agent-technology-takes-center-stage" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft, Salesforce Battle Heats Up As AI Agent Technology Takes Center Stage</a>
Former Meta Platforms Inc executive Jay Parikh will lead this group as EVP of CoreAI—Platform and Tools.
In October 2024, Microsoft appointed Parikh to its senior leadership <a href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/10/31/microsoft-names-jay-parikh-as-a-member-of-the-senior-leadership-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">team</a>, reporting to Satya Nadella. Parikh previously served as Facebook&#8217;s global head of engineering.
Recently, Microsoft listed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/42803700/microsoft-highlights-6-ai-trends-for-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">six AI trends</a> for 2025, including models with advanced reasoning capabilities like OpenAI o1, AI-powered agents like Microsoft 365 Copilot, expecting Copilot to assist users in their daily lives, AI-enabling advancements in scientific research, improved energy efficiency in data centers and AI safety.
In fiscal 2025, Microsoft <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42801720/microsoft-to-invest-80-billion-in-ai-data-centers-for-fiscal-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">earmarked $80 billion</a> to develop data centers to train&nbsp;AI models and&nbsp;deploy AI and cloud-based applications.
Prior reports indicated Microsoft&nbsp;is planning to&nbsp;reduce its dependence on OpenAI by integrating internal and third-party AI models into its Microsoft 365 Copilot product.
BofA Securities noted Microsoft is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41389192/microsoft-azure-office-365-and-gaming-to-drive-low-double-digit-growth-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">well positioned to</a> generate sustained low double-digit growth in the coming 3-5 years, led by the Azure cloud infrastructure platform, Office 365 productivity suite, and more profitable Games and Game Pass revenue in Xbox.
Goldman Sachs described Microsoft as a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42096407/microsoft-one-of-the-most-compelling-investment-opportunities-says-goldman-sachs" rel="noreferrer noopener">compelling investment opportunity</a> in the tech space, backed by its moat across the cloud stack and growing momentum in AI.
Microsoft&nbsp;stock gained 7% in the last 12 months. In October 2024, the company reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41636770/microsoft-q1-earnings-highlights-ai-driven-transformation-is-changing-work-company-beats-revenue-ep" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter revenue</a> of $65.60 billion, up 16%, above the Street consensus of $64.51 billion. EPS of $3.30 beat the Street consensus of $3.09. Intelligent Cloud grew by 20% to $24.1 billion.
Investors can gain exposure to Microsoft through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Technology (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;MSFT stock is down 0.42% at $415.44 at last check Tuesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42960291/metas-content-moderation-changes-alarm-advertisers-as-zuckerberg-aligns-with-trump-and-musk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta&#8217;s Content Moderation Changes Alarm Advertisers as Zuckerberg Aligns with Trump and Musk</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Large Cap

General

Microsoft Launches CoreAI Division: Ex-Meta Exec To Supercharge Copilot And AI Innovations

President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Emirati real estate development firm DAMAC Properties will invest $20 billion to construct data centers in the U.S. to meet the growing needs of hyperscale customers. The race for dominance in artificial intelligence hit an inflection point as Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) revealed its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42801720/microsoft-to-invest-80-billion-in-ai-data-centers-for-fiscal-2025">$80 billion investment plan</a> to build AI-driven data centers in fiscal 2025, with special regional focus on the U.S.
These developments serve as a green light for investors looking to invest in this theme. Risk-averse investors who are interested in cashing in on this opportunity, but are reluctant to choose individual stocks can choose from a plethora of ETFs tied to data center and digital infrastructure stocks. Here we name 3 such ETFs, which carry stocks of digital infrastructure providers like Microsoft and are poised to mirror the gains of the digital infrastructure industry.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42806852/microsoft-pauses-construction-on-33-billion-mount-pleasant-data-center-project-cites-technology-changes-and-design-re-evaluation">Microsoft Pauses Construction On $3.3 Billion Data Center Expected To Be Used By ChatGPT-Parent OpenAI For Massive Super Computer</a>
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>), with a low expense ratio of only 0.10% and $98 billion under management, holds the maximum position in Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) with a 16.19% current weightage. Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Microsoft are right behind, enjoying weightage of 15.42% and 13.05% of the fund&#8217;s total allocation, respectively.
iShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYW#NYSE">IYW</a>) has $20.5 billion funds under management and charges an expense ratio of 0.39%. It derives its allocation strategies from the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index. Nvidia (15.59%), Apple (15.57) and Microsoft (14.16%) take up the three biggest pieces of the pie. 
Global X Data Center REITs &amp; Digital Infrastructure ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VPN#NASDAQ">VPN</a>) focuses exclusively on companies developing and operating data centers. Microsoft and Apple might not be included in the fund currently, but compelling stocks like Equinix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQUIX#NASDAQ">EQUIX</a>), Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) enjoy a place in the fund&#8217;s portfolio. Expense ratio that the fund management charges is 0.50%.
Some Notes On Major Fund Holdings
Data centers run by Apple boast unique design features to support energy conservation and have been running on 100% renewable energy since 2014. Nvidia, on the other hand, is expected to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42269031/nvidias-blackwell-liquid-cooling-revolution-fuels-ai-growth">ramp up production</a> of liquid-cooled GB200 server racks in the current quarter.
Data center REIT Equinix recently acquired BT's data center business in Ireland. Advanced Micro&#8217;s aMI300 product line, featuring high-performance GPU accelerators, is expected to rake in more than $5 billion in revenue for 2024, according to Dataconomy.
Parting Thoughts
Digital infrastructure is the backbone of modern technology. From AI and cloud computing to blockchain and 5G, the global economy relies on robust data centers to keep pace with innovation. A Research And Markets study shows that the Data Center services market, which grew from $56.65 billion in 2023 to $62.23 billion in 2024, is likely to witness a CAGR of 9.99%, hitting $110.34 billion by 2030. Whether it's leveraging Microsoft-heavy funds like VGT or targeting niche players through VPN, investors have a range of tools to capitalize on this transformative megatrend.
See Next: 
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/01/42859212/rocket-lab-surge-sparks-renewed-interest-in-space-focused-etfs-3-funds-in-focus">Rocket Lab Surge Sparks Renewed Interest In Space-Focused ETFs: 3 Funds In Focus</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

ETFs

EQUIX

iShares Dow Jones US Technology Sector Index Fund

Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF

3 Digital Infrastructure ETFs In Focus As Trump Reveals Billion-Dollar Data Center Construction Plan

Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) upcoming switch to in-house <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ai-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">chips for</a> Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections from 2025 will likely impact its partner&nbsp;Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>).
The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips will enable Apple devices to go online via wireless networks, pair with headphones, and more.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) manufactured Proxima, which will power Apple&#8217;s first products in 2025, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-12/apple-nears-switch-to-in-house-bluetooth-and-wi-fi-chip-for-iphone-home?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> familiar sources.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42436800/stmicroelectronics-and-qualcomm-launch-new-iot-module-to-simplify-wireless-connectivity" rel="noreferrer noopener">STMicroelectronics and Qualcomm Launch New IoT Module to Simplify Wireless Connectivity</a>
Apple is developing an end-to-end wireless approach that is integrated with its other components. This will give it an edge in connecting devices to cellular networks and Wi-Fi hubs, paving the way for new device formats.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13063810/newplot-11.png" alt="" class="wp-image-691115" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13063810/newplot-11.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/13063810/newplot-11-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
According to the report, Apple&#8217;s component will be compatible with the Wi-Fi 6E standard.
Apple will launch the combined Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip in 2025 under its new home devices, including refreshed TV set-top box and HomePod mini smart speaker versions.
Apple aims to introduce the components to iPhones in 2025 and iPads and Macs by 2026. However, Broadcom will still provide the radio frequency filter for modems.
Reportedly, Apple tapped Broadcom to develop a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42439155/broadcom-stock-jumps-on-apple-ai-chip-report-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">server chip designed</a> for AI tasks to help meet the computing demands of its new AI features.
Prior reports indicated that the iPhone company had worked on its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/05/38680360/apples-secret-project-and-bold-move-towards-in-house-ai-chips-could-this-be-a-threat-to-nvidia" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Chips in Data Center</a> project for several years. This project focused on developing AI inference, an area dominated by Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>). The company also tapped Taiwan Semiconductor for the chip&#8217;s design and production.
Wedbush&#8217;s Dan Ives expects Apple to reach a $4 trillion market cap by early 2025 as consumers&nbsp;resonate with the AI revolution.
Apple stock surged 34% year-to-date. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTEC#NYSE">FTEC</a>).
Price Action: AAPL stock is down 0.48% at $246.76 at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42439768/innoviz-tech-stock-shoots-up-after-lidar-supply-deal-with-mobileye" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Innoviz Technologies Secures LiDAR Supply Deal With Mobileye</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Apple

AVGO

FTEC

Apple's 2025 Chip Transition Targets New Wireless Edge, Broadcom To Retain Key Role

While the S&amp;P 500 Index continues its post-election surge, breaking through key resistance levels, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nasdaq-100">the NASDAQ 100</a> is struggling to keep up.
This catch-up is prompting JPMorgan analyst Jason Hunter to ask: Is this a shift in market leadership or a temporary pause for the tech-heavy index?
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">S&amp;P 500 Breaks Out, NASDAQ 100 Stalls</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="794" height="464" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12121428/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.44.09-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-643450" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12121428/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.44.09-PM.png 794w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12121428/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.44.09-PM-300x175.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12121428/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.44.09-PM-768x449.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 794px) 100vw, 794px" /></figure>
After the S&amp;P 500 re-accelerated through April's channel resistance and the 5850-5878 highs post-election, the index remains firmly bullish, with key support holding in the 5600s. The next resistance levels are now pegged at 6166 and 6194. Meanwhile, the NASDAQ 100 has faced a roadblock, unable to surpass its August rebound high. 
Hunter highlights that despite a broad market rally, the NASDAQ has underperformed, suggesting a potential leadership shift away from tech.
This divergence between the two indices is critical. If the NASDAQ 100 fails to break through its recent range, it would further support the idea that a regime change is in the cards — one where sectors outside of tech, like communication services, could be driving the market forward.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/10/41214202/ishares-semiconductor-etf-soxx-approaching-death-cross-despite-recent-gains-should-inves">iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) Approaches Death Cross Despite Recent Gains: Should Investors Worry?</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Communication Services Steals The Spotlight</h1>
Interestingly, while the NASDAQ 100 as a whole struggles, the Communication Services sector has been leading the charge in the index's breakout. Good news for investors in the iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYZ#NYSE">IYZ</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P Telecom ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XTL#NYSE">XTL</a>)
Tech and semiconductor stocks have lagged, clustered just below resistance. Relevant for investors in the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>), the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>), the Invesco QQQ Trust Series I (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) and the Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQM#NASDAQ">QQQM</a>).
Hunter's outlook suggests that in the coming weeks these hardware-oriented stocks may get "dragged higher" if the broader market rally continues. The question remains: Will they catch up, or will they continue to underperform as the rally unfolds?
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Semiconductor Struggles: A Key Test For Tech's Future</h1>
Semiconductors, once at the heart of tech's dominance, have been particularly sluggish. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) has faced stiff resistance at the 5397 July peak and the 5537 78.6% retracement level.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="794" height="464" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12122734/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.57.21-PM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-643479" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12122734/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.57.21-PM.png 794w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12122734/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.57.21-PM-300x175.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/12122734/Screenshot-2024-11-12-at-10.57.21-PM-768x449.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 794px) 100vw, 794px" /></figure>
While it has managed to hold above the 4997 200-day moving average, Hunter is closely watching whether these resistance levels will break.
If the semiconductor sector can't clear this hurdle, it would signal a continuation of the underperformance that has characterized the group since mid-summer. 
On the other hand, if bullish momentum drags semiconductors through these barriers, it could fuel a catch-up rally in tech stocks, reversing the trend of broad market leadership shifting to other sectors.
Investors in the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>), the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) and the Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3x Shares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXL#NASDAQ">SOXL</a>) should remain wary of their holdings.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Will Tech Stage A Comeback?</h1>
Despite these challenges, Hunter remains optimistic that the post-election bullish momentum could eventually carry tech stocks, particularly semiconductors, back into the leadership role they held for much of the 2022-2024 rally. 
But if semiconductors continue to falter, and the broader market continues to rally without them, it could confirm that the days of tech dominance are coming to an end — at least for the near term.
For now, Hunter is watching for any breakouts in the tech sector, especially in semiconductors, to see if they can reclaim their former leadership position. 
The key levels to watch are the 5397 July gap for the SOX Index and the 21433-22306 range for the NASDAQ 100.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41911474/russell-2000-rallies-jpmorgan-analyst-says-small-cap-may-outperform-mega-cap-peers">Russell 2000 Rallies, JPMorgan Analyst Says Small Cap May Outperform Mega-Cap Peers</a></li>
</ul>
This image was created using artificial intelligence MidJourney.

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Investors are zeroing in on what <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics">potential political outcomes</a> in the U.S. elections Tuesday could mean for the markets.
WisdomTree's Global CIO, Jeremy Schwartz and Senior Economist Jeremy Siegel have shared insights on how a Republican or Democratic win could shape sectors across both the equity and bond markets.
Here's what WisdomTree sees on the horizon.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bond Market Volatility: How Policy Could Shape Yields</h2>
Siegel said bond markets are primed for volatility, with each election outcome pointing to different scenarios for interest rates and yields. A Republican sweep, accompanied by tax cuts and heightened fiscal spending, could push bond yields upward by 20 basis points or more, he said. In this scenario, investors might brace for inflationary pressures and potentially tighter monetary policy, which would counterbalance any short-term equity gains.
On the flip side, a Democratic sweep is seen as a stabilizing force for bonds, with expectations for moderated spending and pro-growth fiscal restraint. 
WisdomTree's Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income strategy, notes that Democratic policies might offer a predictable, low-volatility environment that helps maintain steady rates and tempers inflation concerns.
A divided government could yield the "best case" for bonds, creating stability through gridlock that limits sweeping fiscal changes and curbs deficit growth.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Equity Market Winners: Mag 7 In Focus Under GOP, Infrastructure &amp; Clean Energy For Democrats</h2>
For equity markets, each scenario presents distinct opportunities, particularly in the growth-oriented and infrastructure sectors. Under a Republican administration, WisdomTree expects an initial boost in stocks like the Magnificent Seven: (Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/meta#NASDAQ">META</a>), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>). 
The Magnificent Seven stocks could be driven by extended tax cuts, reduced regulation, and potential capital gains exemptions.
The Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NASDAQ">MAGS</a>) provides exposure to the Magnificent Seven stocks along with other popular tech-heavy ETFs such as the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>).
This favorable backdrop for the tech-heavy sector could stimulate momentum, although Siegel cautions that rising yields might cap equity gains by pressuring valuations.
In contrast, a Democratic sweep would likely favor sectors tied to clean energy and infrastructure. With a focus on the Inflation Reduction Act, the Democratic agenda is expected to channel substantial support into solar, hydrogen and renewable energy projects. The Invesco Solar ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAN#NYSE">TAN</a>) provides exposure to solar stocks.
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This shift would likely benefit clean energy stocks while weighing on small-cap stocks with high U.S. revenue exposure, as they would face the most significant earnings impact from higher corporate tax rates. 
Investors in clean energy ETFs such as the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLN#NYSE">ICLN</a>) and First Trust Nasdaq Clean Edge Smart GRID Infrastructure Index (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRID#NYSE">GRID</a>) and those invested in small-cap stocks via ETFs such as the iShares Core S&amp;P Small-Cap ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IJR#NYSE">IJR</a>) or the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) should be wary of their holdings.
According to Wisdom Tree, Democratic leadership could also benefit international markets, as the reduced likelihood of higher tariffs might ease trade concerns and foster demand.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Navigating The Election Landscape</h2>
Beyond direct impacts on stocks and bonds, WisdomTree suggests that a blend of strategies, such as private credit, inflation hedges like gold, and international exposure with currency hedging, may help investors manage market uncertainty.
Trade policies, inflation, and the Federal Reserve's trajectory are all likely to play roles in shaping post-election strategies, underscoring the value of a diversified approach.
As the U.S. awaits the election results, WisdomTree's analysis highlights a divided outlook for investors. Whether the election ushers in policies that lift the Magnificent Seven stocks or bolsters the bond market, each scenario brings unique opportunities and risks to watch in the weeks ahead.
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Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

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Republican Win Likely To Lift Magnificent 7 Stocks, Democratic Sweep 'Better For Bonds,' Says WisdomTree

Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphone sales declined 0.3% year over year in the third quarter, though demand for the iPhone 16 series, launched in September, held steady compared to previous generations, according to the IDC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prAP52680124" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>.
This performance helped Apple regain its No. 2 position in China&#8217;s smartphone market, achieving a 15.6% market share—just behind Vivo, which led the market with an 18.6% share, boosted by 21.5% growth in shipments.
In a strong comeback, Huawei Technologies Co grew its shipments by 42% yearly to capture 15.3% of the market, following four consecutive quarters of double-digit growth.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41526650/apples-ai-powered-future-iphone-growth-surge-by-2026-with-new-iphone-17-ai-integration-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s AI-Powered Future: iPhone Growth Surge By 2026 With New iPhone 17, AI Integration, Analyst Says</a>
Huawei&#8217;s advanced China-made processor, which stoked patriotic support amid the tense geopolitical backdrop, has driven the brand&#8217;s premium segment success despite U.S. sanctions.
Xiaomi Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACF#OTC">XIACF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACY#OTC">XIACY</a>) also saw gains, ranking fourth with a 14.8% market share as its shipments increased by 12.8%, fueled by a push in both budget-friendly and high-end segments.
Honor, the former Huawei sub-brand, took fifth place with a 14.6% share, though its shipments declined by 22.5% during the quarter.
The overall Chinese smartphone market, the world&#8217;s largest, grew 3.2% year on year to 68.8 million units in the third quarter, marking a fourth straight quarter of growth. IDC analyst Arthur Guo attributed this rise to a &#8220;significant wave of device upgrades&#8221; driving China&#8217;s smartphone recovery.
The performance coincides with China&#8217;s stimulus plans and the upcoming holiday season.
Meanwhile, Apple offered <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41399541/apple-iphone-16-sees-20-sales-surge-in-china-but-ai-absence-prompts-early-price-cuts" rel="noreferrer noopener">notable promotions for</a> the iPhone 16 in China, with pre-release discounts on platforms like PDD Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) Pinduoduo and Alibaba Group Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) Taobao. Ahead of Singles&#8217; Day, Apple added further price reductions to attract more buyers.
Apple chief Tim Cook <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41478952/tim-cook-engages-with-chinas-it-minister-as-iphone-maker-aims-to-enhance-local-user-experience-w" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently met with</a> Jin Zhuanglong, China&#8217;s Minister for Industry and Information Technology. The minister reportedly expressed hopes that Apple will grow its presence in China and collaborate with local firms.
The visit marks Cook&#8217;s second visit to China in 2024. He showcased his visits to an organic farm and historic neighborhoods during his trip.
Needham&nbsp;analyst Laura Martin&nbsp;expects iPhone sales <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41005053/apple-iphone-to-fuel-96-of-2025-revenue-analyst-says-a-safer-bet-than-ai-heavy-amazon-alphabet-micro" rel="noreferrer noopener">to account for</a> 89%-96% of Apple&#8217;s 2025 revenue.
Apple stock gained 35% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IXN#NYSE">IXN</a>) and Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>).
Price Action: AAPL stock is up 0.85% at $232.52 at the last check on Friday.
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Apple's Q3 Smartphone Sales Slip Despite Strong iPhone 16 Demand, Market Share Dropped Slightly

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has reduced iPhone 16 prices by up to 1,600 yuan ($225) on its Alibaba Group Holding&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) Tmall store to boost sales during Singles&#8217; Day, the world&#8217;s largest shopping festival.
Beginning Monday evening, Apple offered a 500-yuan voucher for all iPhone 16 models, with the base iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max starting at 5,499 yuan and 9,499 yuan, respectively, SCMP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3283270/apples-iphone-16-sees-price-cuts-chinese-online-platforms-singles-day-promotions?module=perpetual_scroll_0&amp;pgtype=article" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
These price cuts come as Apple aims to counter the lukewarm initial response to the iPhone 16 on Chinese social media.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41408200/this-bullish-analyst-highlights-taiwan-semis-3nm-strength-and-margin-expansion-pote" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Bullish Analyst Highlights Taiwan Semi&#8217;s 3nm Strength and Margin Expansion Potential, Raises Forecast</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/22053634/newplot-19.png" alt="" class="wp-image-606949" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/22053634/newplot-19.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/22053634/newplot-19-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
The discounting is partly due to Apple Intelligence&#8217;s on-device AI system not supporting Chinese until next year.
Tmall has also introduced a trade-in subsidy of up to 1,100 yuan, allowing customers to save as much as 1,600 yuan on iPhone 16 purchases. JD.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) announced a similar discount, offering a free AppleCare+ subscription for the iPhone 16&#8217;s base and Plus models. PDD Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) Pinduoduo further slashed prices, with the 256GB iPhone 16 Pro Max now priced at 9,199 yuan.
Riding the success of its 5G comeback, Huawei Technologies Co outpaced Apple in mainland smartphone sales in August for the first time in 46 months, SCMP cites CINNO Research.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41399541/apple-iphone-16-sees-20-sales-surge-in-china-but-ai-absence-prompts-early-price-cuts" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prior reports indicated</a> that Pinduoduo and Taobao were slashing the prices of the iPhone 16 series before its official release due to its&nbsp;lack of AI features.
Pinduoduo started selling the iPhone 16 Plus with 512 gigabytes of storage at a 10% discount and the 128GB iPhone 16 at an 11% discount. Both Pinduoduo and Taobao marketplace have slapped a 4% discount on the 256GB version of the high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max.
Needham&nbsp;analyst Laura Martin expects the iPhone to constitute 89%- 96% of Apple&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41005053/apple-iphone-to-fuel-96-of-2025-revenue-analyst-says-a-safer-bet-than-ai-heavy-amazon-alphabet-micro" rel="noreferrer noopener">fiscal 2025 revenue</a>.
Apple&nbsp;stock gained 37% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWF#NYSE">IWF</a>).
Price Action: AAPL stock is down 0.99% at $234.13 at the last check on Tuesday.
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Photo courtesy: Apple

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Apple iPhone 16 Discounts Roll Out on Alibaba's Tmall, AI Delays and Domestic Competitors Fuel Aggressive Pricing

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is nearing the launch of a budget smartphone by 2025 to regain market share lost to Huawei&nbsp;Technologies Co and Xiaomi Corp (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACF#OTC">XIACF</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XIACY#OTC">XIACY</a>).
Apple iPhone&#8217;s market share in China <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40823119/china-is-eating-apples-lunch-where-smartphone-maker-ranks-vs-asian-competitors" rel="noreferrer noopener">slipped to 14%</a>, down from third to sixth place in the second quarter. Huawei bagged the fourth position, and&nbsp;Xiaomi&nbsp;came fifth.
Vivo&nbsp;emerged as the number one brand, OPPO remained second, and HONOR came third in China. Canalys attributed the local brands&#8217; success to the early discounts and promotions, integration of generative artificial intelligence, and their collaboration with regional supply chains.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41139084/nvidia-expands-ai-offerings-with-new-open-source-models-and-unreal-engine-5-plugins" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Expands AI Offerings with New Open-Source Models and Unreal Engine 5 Plugins</a>
Apple is nearing production of an updated iPhone SE dubbed V59 that will become its new entry-level model, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-01/apple-readies-iphone-se-4-upgraded-ipad-air-for-early-2025?srnd=homepage-asia&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> familiar sources.
Reportedly, Apple will transition to an edge-to-edge screen, removing the old home button design. The new SE phone will likely support Apple Intelligence.
Needham&nbsp;analyst Laura Martin&nbsp;expects 89%- 96% of Apple&#8217;s 2025 revenue to depend <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41005053/apple-iphone-to-fuel-96-of-2025-revenue-analyst-says-a-safer-bet-than-ai-heavy-amazon-alphabet-micro" rel="noreferrer noopener">on iPhone sales</a>, underscoring the importance of Apple&#8217;s smartphone strategy.
Apple is also considering iPad upgrades. The company&#8217;s new iPad Air models, dubbed J607 and J637, will likely launch in 2025. A new iPad mini, dubbed J410, will be available by the end of 2024.
Apple&#8217;s updated models include a&nbsp;revamped Mac mini, updated MacBook Pros, and iMacs with the M4 processor and Apple Intelligence features.
However, Barclays analyst Tim Long flagged a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41127362/apples-iphone-16-cycle-faces-headwinds-analyst-warns-of-weaker-demand-macro-pressures-potential-earl" rel="noreferrer noopener">potential 3 million</a> iPhone unit cut for the December quarter due to demand weakness.
Apple stock is up over 30% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IXN#NYSE">IXN</a>)
and Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>).
Price Action: AAPL stock is down 0.23% at $225.69 at the last check on Wednesday.
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The U.S. exchange-traded fund (ETF) market has reached a monumental milestone, surpassing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SPY/news">$10 trillion in assets</a>. 
This surge was fueled by a remarkable $691 billion in inflows this year alone, as <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-27/wall-street-s-etf-assets-hit-10-trillion-milestone-amid-frenzy?srnd=phx-latest&amp;sref=TBDibEcD&amp;leadSource=uverify%20wall">reported</a> by Bloomberg. 
This impressive surge has set the stage for a record-breaking year, with ETF flows on track to shatter the previous record of $900 billion in inflows.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">VOO, VGT Outshine SPY In Fund Flows</h1>
According to ETF.com <a href="https://www.etf.com/etfanalytics/etf-fund-flows-tool">data</a>, as of the end of Aug.2024, the market saw a robust performance, with a total of $71 billion pouring into ETFs during the month. Leading the charge were heavyweights such as the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>), while the SPDR S&amp;P 500 (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) experienced notable outflows.
As investors diversify their portfolios, it's clear that ETFs are becoming the go-to investment vehicle.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">VOO, IVV, VTI Lead YTD Gains</h1>
Among the top gainers for the year were the S&amp;P 500 index-tracking Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF and iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>). The Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF has made a significant mark, attracting over $60.5 billion in net flows and boasting an impressive $503 billion in assets under management (AUM). This translates to 12.04% of its AUM, a testament to the confidence investors have in the S&amp;P 500's performance.
Following closely is the iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF, raking in about $43.4 billion in net flows, while the Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTI#NYSE">VTI</a>) pulled in a respectable $21 billion.
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<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tech-Focused QQQ, Bitcoin ETF Not Far Behind</h1>
The tech sector hasn't been left behind either, with Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) gathering nearly $20.9 billion this year, showcasing a vibrant interest in technology stocks.
The cryptocurrency space is also making waves, as seen in the remarkable inflows into iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>), which attracted around $20.9 billion, capturing an astonishing 98.63% of its AUM.
With these trends, it&#8217;s clear that ETFs continue to be a major player in the investment landscape, providing investors with diverse options and strategic exposure to various sectors. 
As the market evolves, one thing is certain: the ETF party is just getting started!
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Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) has appointed Carolina Dybeck Happe <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2024/09/12/microsoft-names-new-executive-vice-president-and-chief-operations-officer/" rel="noreferrer noopener">as its new</a> EVP and COO.
Happe served at GE as SVP and CFO from 2020 until September 2023. Reuters reports that she was pivotal in leading the company&#8217;s turnaround and helped complete the spin-off of energy infrastructure unit GE Vernova in April 2024 after she stepped down from her role as CFO.
Microsoft&#8217;s move coincides with its pursuit of the lead in the cloud services market by solidifying its moat against Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Amazon Web Services.
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The hiring also followed the CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40791329/microsoft-plans-major-cybersecurity-summit-after-global-it-outage-hits-8-5m-devices-earlier-this-yea" rel="noreferrer noopener">outage that hampered</a> Microsoft devices, Reuters cites D.A. Davidson analyst Gil Luria.
Microsoft made <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38664730/googles-deepmind-co-founder-mustafa-suleyman-shares-his-exciting-first-month-at-microsoft-truly-tran" rel="noreferrer noopener">another critical hiring</a> earlier this year. In March 2024, the company poached the co-founder of&nbsp;Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google&nbsp;DeepMind&nbsp;AI lab co-founder Mustafa Suleyman from Inflection AI to lead Microsoft&#8217;s AI division.
Microsoft gained over 27% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through iShares Global Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IXN#NYSE">IXN</a>) and Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft Stock Prediction For 2024</h2>
Equity research analysts on and off Wall Street typically use earnings growth and fundamental research as a form of valuation and forecasting. But many in trading turn to technical analysis as a way to form predictive models for share price trajectory.
Some investors look to trends to help forecast where they believe a stock could trade at a certain point in the future. Looking at Microsoft, an investor could make an assessment about a stock's long term prospects using a moving average and trend line. If they believe a stock will remain above the moving average, which many believe is a bullish signal, they can extrapolate that trend into the future using a trend line. 
For Microsoft, the 200-day moving average sits at $412.21, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, which is below the current price of $427.0. For more on charts and trend lines, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">see a description here.</a>
Traders believe that when a stock is above its moving average, it is a generally bullish signal, and when it crosses below, it is a more negative signal. Investors could use trend lines to make an educated guess about where a stock could trade at a later date if conditions remain stable.
Price Action: MSFT stock traded lower by 0.19% at $426.21 premarket at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40687996/microsofts-ai-pcs-stumble-with-game-compatibility-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft&#8217;s AI PCs Stumble With Game Compatibility: Report</a></li>
</ul>

Management

CRWD

Microsoft Hires Former GE CFO Carolina Dybeck Happe As COO To Boost Cloud And AI Focus

Launched on 05/08/2007, the First Trust Technology AlphaDEX ETF (ARCA:FXL) is a smart beta exchange traded fund offering broad exposure to the Technology ETFs category of the market.
<h2>What Are Smart Beta ETFs?</h2>
For a long time now, the ETF industry has been flooded with products based on market capitalization weighted indexes, which are designed to represent the broader market or a particular market segment.
Investors who believe in market efficiency should consider market cap indexes, as they replicate market returns in a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way.
However, some investors believe in the possibility of beating the market through exceptional stock selection, and choose a different type of fund that tracks non-cap weighted strategies: smart beta.
Non-cap weighted indexes try to choose stocks that have a better chance of risk-return performance, which is based on specific fundamental characteristics, or a mix of other such characteristics.
Methodologies like equal-weighting, one of the simplest options out there, fundamental weighting, and volatility/momentum based weighting are all choices offered to investors in this space, but not all of them can deliver superior returns.
<h2>Fund Sponsor &amp; Index</h2>
The fund is managed by First Trust Advisors. FXL has been able to amass assets over $1.24 billion, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Technology ETFs. Before fees and expenses, FXL seeks to match the performance of the StrataQuant Technology Index.
The StrataQuant Technology Index is a modified equal-dollar weighted index designed by the AMEX to objectively identify and select stocks from the Russell 1000 Index that may generate positive alpha relative to traditional passive style indices through the use of the AlphaDEX screening methodology.
<h2>Cost &amp; Other Expenses</h2>
Investors should also pay attention to an ETF&#39;s expense ratio. Lower cost products will produce better results than those with a higher cost, assuming all other metrics remain the same.
Annual operating expenses for FXL are 0.62%, which makes it on par with most peer products in the space.
FXL&#39;s 12-month trailing dividend yield is 0.41%.
<h2>Sector Exposure and Top Holdings</h2>
It is important to delve into an ETF&#39;s holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.
For FXL, it has heaviest allocation in the Information Technology sector --about 80.90% of the portfolio --while Industrials and Telecom round out the top three.
Taking into account individual holdings, Palantir Technologies Inc. (class A) (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pltr#NYSE">PLTR</a>) accounts for about 2.06% of the fund&#39;s total assets, followed by Godaddy Inc. (class A)&nbsp;and Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ctsh#NASDAQ">CTSH</a>).
FXL&#39;s top 10 holdings account for about 18.47% of its total assets under management.
<h2>Performance and Risk</h2>
Year-to-date, the First Trust Technology AlphaDEX ETF has lost about -0.82% so far, and is up about 9.32% over the last 12 months (as of 09/09/2024). FXL has traded between $104.07 and $142.51 in this past 52-week period.
The ETF has a beta of 1.14 and standard deviation of 25.32% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 103 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.
<h2>Alternatives</h2>
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX ETF is an excellent option for investors seeking to outperform the Technology ETFs segment of the market. There are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider as well.
Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (ARCA:XLK) tracks Technology Select Sector Index and the Vanguard Information Technology ETF (ARCA:VGT) tracks MSCI US Investable Market Information Technology 25/50 Index. Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF has $64.13 billion in assets, Vanguard Information Technology ETF has $70.17 billion. XLK has an expense ratio of 0.09% and VGT charges 0.10%.
Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Technology ETFs.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2333154/is-first-trust-technology-alphadex-etf-fxl-a-strong-etf-right-now?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-smart_beta_etf-2333154">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Markets

CTSH

Is First Trust Technology AlphaDEX ETF a Strong ETF Right Now?

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), has hired Keith Strier of Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;as <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/09/g40695847/amd-appoints-ai-industry-veteran-keith-strier-to-expand-global-ai-capabilities-and-engagements" rel="noreferrer noopener">senior vice president</a> of global artificial intelligence markets.
Strier will lead AMD&#8217;s AI vision, driving new ecosystem capabilities and accelerating strategic AI engagements globally across public and private sectors.&nbsp;
He recently served as vice president of worldwide AI initiatives at Nvidia, where he was responsible for expanding commercial engagements with foreign governments.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40687996/microsofts-ai-pcs-stumble-with-game-compatibility-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft&#8217;s AI PCs Stumble With Game Compatibility: Report</a>
Nvidia&#8217;s rival AMD remains engaged in gaining market share through plans to acquire AI server company&nbsp;ZT Systems&nbsp;for $4.9 billion.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/04042701/newplot-3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-528757" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/04042701/newplot-3.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/04042701/newplot-3-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
At the same time, it grappled with its Ryzen 9000 series sales, as analysts, including&nbsp;Oppenheimer&#8217;s Rick Schafer, Truist Securities&#8217; William Stein, and Wedbush Securities&#8217; Matt Bryson, tout Nvidia as the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40526391/whats-going-on-with-amd-stock-on-friday" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical AI play</a>.
Microsoft Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) new Windows AI features will arrive on some AMD and Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) laptops in November, the Verge <a target="_blank" href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/3/24234687/microsoft-co-pilot-plus-pcs-intel-features-release-date" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
JPMorgan analyst Harlan Sur&nbsp;expects AMD to grow&nbsp;data center GPU revenue&nbsp;by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40438854/amd-expands-ai-capabilities-acquires-zt-systems-in-major-4-9b-deal" rel="noreferrer noopener">$5 billion&nbsp;in</a> fiscal 2024, backed by server and PC CPU market share wins.
AMD stock gained 24% in the last 12 months versus Nvidia&#8217;s 123%.
Investors can gain exposure to AMD through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action: AMD stock is up 2.49% at $140.35 premarket at last check Wednesday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40692084/intels-place-in-dow-in-jeopardy-ai-strategy-under-scrutiny-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intel&#8217;s Place In Dow In Jeopardy, AI Strategy Under Scrutiny: Report</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

What's Going On With AMD Stock On Wednesday?

Undeterred by early August volatility, investors poured a staggering $75 billion into U.S. exchange-traded funds in August, a fivefold increase compared to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">same period last year.</a>
According to Bloomberg data, the strong August inflows into ETFs have pushed the year-to-date total to over $600 billion, putting 2024 on track to potentially challenge the all-time record of $911 billion in inflows, set in 2021 — a year before the Federal Reserve initiated its rate hike cycle.
Athanasios Psarofagis, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, highlighted that investors took advantage of the early August market dip to increase their equity ETF holdings. Additionally, there was a notable surge in demand for bond-related ETFs and small-cap ETFs as investors anticipate the start of the Federal Reserve's rate cuts.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">ETF Market Nears $10 Trillion In Total Value</h3>
Bloomberg data reveals the total value of ETFs is approaching the $10-trillion mark, representing nearly one-third of the total value of all investment funds in circulation. Passive ETFs dominate this space with $8.7 trillion in assets, while actively managed ETFs have grown by 30% this year to $783 billion.
Both fixed-income and equity ETFs have seen strong inflows, with fixed-income products attracting $187 billion and equity ETFs $367 billion so far in 2024. 
Todd Sohn, an ETF strategist at Strategas, said bond ETFs have particularly benefited from an array of new offerings, including actively managed funds. Bond ETFs have attracted $100 billion over the last three months, surpassing the inflows seen during the early pandemic-recovery period in 2020.
Bitcoin-based ETFs have also gained traction, with net inflows exceeding $17 billion so far this year. Leveraged and inverse funds based on single companies have accumulated more than $9 billion in assets.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 5 ETFs By Inflows In August 2024</h3>
The following U.S.-listed ETFs saw the largest inflows of capital in August 2024:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Fund</th>
<th>Fund flows in August 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>)</td>
<td>$5.964 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>)</td>
<td>$3.906 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>)</td>
<td>$3.038 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVV#NYSE">IVV</a>)</td>
<td>$2.49 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTI#NYSE">VTI</a>)</td>
<td>$2.358 bn</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data: TradingView (as of Sept. 3)</figcaption></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Year-To-Date ETF Inflow Leaders</h3>
Year-to-date, the top five ETFs by inflows are:
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Fund</th>
<th>YTD fund flows</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF</td>
<td>$60.648 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Core S&amp;P 500 ETF</td>
<td>$43.532 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF</td>
<td>$21.098 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)</td>
<td>$19.329 bn</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGG#NYSE">AGG</a>)</td>
<td>$14.152 bn</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Data: TradingView (as of Sept. 3)</figcaption></figure>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40689742/goldman-sachs-bullish-on-gold-wall-street-giant-targets-2-700-by-early-2025-driven-">Goldman Sachs Bullish On Gold: Wall Street Giant Targets $2,700 By Early 2025, Driven By Geopolitical Risks, Fed Rate Cuts</a></li>
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Photo via Shutterstock.

New ETFs

Federal Reserve

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

US ETFs Attract $75 Billion In August, Push 2024 Inflows Over $600 Billion: 7 Investor Favorite Funds

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) shares may not rise very much when the tech giant debuts the iPhone 16 on Monday because much of the anticipation is already baked into the stock, but the new phone should give some <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40680904/7-products-apple-will-likely-discontinue-next-week-after-iphone-16-launch">legs to the stock </a>over the next year, according to a tech expert. 
"I think the announcement is typically going to be a disappointment," Deepwater Asset Management managing partner Gene Munster told Benzinga on Tuesday. 
"I don't expect it to trade up on the event."
Munster&#8217;s expectation is the shares will start rising considerably after the company reports its third-quarter earnings in late October because consumers and investors will have had time to explore the iPhone&#8217;s expected artificial intelligence features, he said. 
&#8220;I think they&#8217;re really gonna catch on,&#8221; Munster said.
&#8220;Once that starts happening into next year, that&#8217;s when the excitement really goes, but this is going to be the disappointment before the excitement. I think this year is really going to be a great 12 months for Apple.&#8221;
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39696001/apples-app-store-revenue-surge-and-iphone-upgrades-set-to-drive-growth-in-2025-bofa">Apple&#8217;s App Store Revenue Surge and iPhone Upgrades Set to Drive Growth in 2025: BofA Analyst</a>
Sales for iPhone may grow as much as 15% next year versus Wall Street expectations of 7% because the iPhone 16 may convince 10% of iPhone users who planned on upgrading in 2026 to do so next year, he said. 
&#8220;I think it&#8217;s conservative to say 10% because there&#8217;s a group that&#8217;s just going upgrade this year because it&#8217;s time. Their phone is five years old they&#8217;re just gonna get a new phone.&#8221; 
The higher revenue will move the stock higher, Munster said, but he declined to predict a number. 
The question is how many users who initially planned to upgrade in 2026, 2027 and 2028 will go for the iPhone 16 in 2025 as a result of the new AI features, Munster said.
&#8220;These pools are so massive that just a small increase in that uptake has a measurable impact on revenue growth,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;I think the bottom line is if &nbsp;the AI features are as exciting as I believe, they&#8217;re going to have a massive wave of upgrades.&#8221;
Munster recalled iPhone sales growing 52% 10 years ago when the iPhone 6 came out with a bigger screen.
"Small changes to features can have big impact to growth,&#8221; he said.
&#8220;That&#8217;s the key question. Do you think these features are going to spur big upgrade cycle?&#8221;
AAPL Price Action: Apple lost 2.72% in Tuesday&#8217;s session, closing at $222.77. Exchange-traded funds that hold the stock performed as follows:
<ul>
<li>T-Rex 2X Long Apple Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPX#BATS">AAPX</a>) fell 5.17%. </li>
<li>Direxion Daily AAPL Bull 2X Shares (NASADQ: AAPU) dropped 5.53%. </li>
<li>Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTEC#NYSE">FTEC</a>) declined 4.32%.</li>
<li>Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) slipped 4.4%. </li>
<li>IShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYW#NYSE">IYW</a>) fell 4.18%. </li>
</ul>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39267314/will-your-iphone-support-new-apple-intelligence-features-heres-what-you-need-to-know">Will Your iPhone Support New Apple Intelligence Features? Here&#8217;s What You Need To Know</a></li>
</ul>
Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management. Courtesy photo.

Exclusives

Movers

AAPU

ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long Apple Daily Target ETF

AAPX

EXCLUSIVE: Apple's iPhone 16 Launch Will Be 'Disappointment Before The Excitement,' Gene Munster Says

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) continues to make waves in the artificial intelligence (AI) chip market, even as Chinese tech giant Huawei Technologies Co faces significant challenges in its bid to compete.
Despite Huawei&#8217;s efforts to create a domestic alternative with its Ascend series, the company&#8217;s software, particularly the Cann platform, reportedly struggles to match the ease of use and efficiency offered by Nvidia&#8217;s CUDA platform, industry insiders reveal, the Financial Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/3dab07d3-3d97-4f3b-941b-cc8a21a901d6" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Huawei, striving to compete against Nvidia&#8217;s well-established position, has taken proactive steps by dispatching engineers to assist clients like Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), iFlytek, and Tencent Holding Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCEHY#OTC">TCEHY</a>) in transitioning their systems from Nvidia&#8217;s CUDA to Huawei&#8217;s Cann.
Despite these challenges, Huawei has seen growing demand for AI chips, driven partly by supply constraints and the U.S. government&#8217;s tightened export controls on high-performance silicon.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40659587/nvidias-blackwell-chip-potential-signals-strong-future-growth-analysts" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analysts remain optimistic</a> about Nvidia&#8217;s future despite challenges with its new Blackwell chips, which are nearly double the size of their predecessors and face manufacturing issues impacting yields and margins. Wall Street projects third-quarter revenue and EPS of $32.50 billion and $0.73.
Nvidia stock gained 146% in the last 12 months, buoyed by the AI frenzy. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWF#NYSE">IWF</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;NVDA stock traded down 7.65% at $110.24 at the last check on Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

BIDU

TCEHY

Nvidia Maintains AI Chip Dominance as Huawei Struggles to Compete: Report

Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) were among the companies that entered the Dow Jones Industrial Average during the dot-com era.
Analysts and investors told Reuters Intel was likely to be removed from the Dow, pointing to the company&#8217;s stock price trajectory.
Intel missed out on the artificial intelligence boom as&nbsp;OpenAI&#8217;s investment&nbsp;failed to materialize, and its contract manufacturing unit continued to lose out to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03105009/newplot-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-527295" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03105009/newplot-1.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03105009/newplot-1-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Intel <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40622868/intel-faces-scrutiny-over-job-cuts-while-competing-for-20b-us-chip-subsidy" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to ship</a> chips for over 100 million AI personal computers by 2025, with over 40 million targeted for 2024.
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40648165/intel-weighs-major-business-split-factory-delays-amid-strategic-review-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recent reports indicated</a> Intel is looking to break up its product design and manufacturing businesses, including postponing some of its expansion plans. Investors can gain exposure to Intel through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Technology (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>).
Analysts snubbed Intel&#8217;s&nbsp;dividend suspension and record layoff of close to 15,000 employees.
Ryuta Makino of Gabelli Funds speculated that Nvidia Corp would replace Intel on the Dow, as per Reuters.
Nvidia has been up 129% in the last 12 months as it successfully milked the A frenzy, while Intel has been down 44%. Taiwan Semiconductor is up 71%.
According to Reuters, Daniel Morgan of Synovus Trust notes Texas Instruments Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>) as a possible Dow Jones contender.
Price Action: INTC stock is down by 6.63% at $20.58 at the last check on Tuesday.
Image via Shutterstock

Intel's Place In Dow In Jeopardy, AI Strategy Under Scrutiny: Report

Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) is reportedly considering acquiring two facilities owned by AUO Corp, mirroring Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/08/40437227/taiwan-semiconductor-acquires-tainan-facility-for-531m-plans-major-expansion" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent deal to</a> purchase a plant and equipment from Innolux Corp.
Micron, ranked as the third-largest memory chip manufacturer globally, is expected to buy two AUO plants in Tainan for a purchase price of 10 billion New Taiwan dollars-20 billion New Taiwan dollars ($314.3 million-$628.6 million), the Taipei Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2024/08/27/2003822807" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
AUO is selling the facilities it shuttered in August 2023 to optimize its resources.
Taiwan Semiconductor recently announced its acquisition of a 5.5th-generation plant from Innolux, located in the Southern Taiwan Science Park, for 17.14 billion New Taiwan dollars.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27082044/newplot-2-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-515974" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27082044/newplot-2-1.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27082044/newplot-2-1-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
The deal will significantly enhance Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s advanced 3D chip-on-wafer-on-substrate (CoWoS) packaging capacity.
Micron Technology stock gained 52% in the last 12 months. The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40198085/huawei-and-baidu-increase-samsung-hbm-purchases-as-us-curbs-loom" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-bandwidth memory (HBM)</a> supplier was impacted by the U.S. semiconductor sanctions on China. It will likely <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40227015/nvidia-greenlights-samsungs-fifth-gen-hbm3e-chips-for-ai-processors-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">secure 5% of the</a> market share in 2024, as per&nbsp;TrendForce.
Investors can gain exposure to Micron stock through Vanguard Value ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTV#NYSE">VTV</a>) and Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Will Micron Tech Stock Go Up?</h2>
When trying to assess whether or not Micron Technology will trade higher from current levels, it's a good idea to take a look at analyst forecasts. 
Wall Street analysts have an average 12-month price target of $168.56 on Micron Technology. The Street high target is currently at $225.0 and the Street low target is $138.0. Of all the analysts covering Micron Technology, 26 have positive ratings, one has neutral ratings and no one has negative ratings.
In the last month, 3 analysts have adjusted price targets. Here's a look at recent price target changes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MU/analyst-ratings">[Analyst Ratings]</a>. Benzinga also tracks Wall Street's most accurate analysts. Check out how analysts covering Micron Technology have performed in recent history. 
Stocks don't move in a straight line. The average stock market return is approximately 10% per year. Micron Technology is 17.91% up year-to-date. The average analyst price target suggests the stock could have further upside ahead.
For a broad overview of everything you need to know about Micron Technology, visit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MU">here</a>. If you want to go above and beyond, there's no better tool to help you do just that than <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>. Start your free trial today.
Price Action: MU stock traded lower by 1.41% at $97.52 at last check Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock

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Micron Tech Eyes AUO Plant Acquisition as Taiwan Semi Expands Chip Packaging Tech

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) has succeeded in containing its employee churn rate through its compensation packages.
The chip designer is known for its demanding work environment, where employees slog up to seven days a week, with work hours stretching until 2 a.m.
CEO Jensen Huang has said&nbsp;he prefers&nbsp;to &#8220;torture them into greatness,&#8221; marking a stark contrast with his rivals keen on hiring and firing, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-26/what-s-it-like-working-at-nvidia-you-may-get-rich-but-work-remains-stressful?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
At the same time, Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) looks to downsize in thousands or over <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40528681/intel-board-member-lip-bu-tan-resigns-amid-chipmakers-struggle-with-cost-cuts" rel="noreferrer noopener">15% of its workforce</a> to accomplish a business turnaround. The company had slashed 5% of its workforce in 2023.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40550305/nvidia-tech-fuels-chinese-ai-growth-overseas-alibaba-ramps-up-7b-investment" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Tech Fuels Chinese AI Growth Overseas, Alibaba Ramps Up $7B Investment</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27045003/newplot-25.png" alt="" class="wp-image-515283" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27045003/newplot-25.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/27045003/newplot-25-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Nvidia&#8217;s stock grants, which typically vest over four years, have been pivotal to its success with its employees, the New York Post <a target="_blank" href="https://nypost.com/2024/08/26/business/nvidia-employees-can-work-7-days-a-week-until-2-a-m-but-few-leave-because-of-ai-chip-giants-lavish-pay-report/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. The stock&#8217;s 3,776% surge since 2019, courtesy of Big Tech&#8217;s splurge on their artificial intelligence ambitions, has made its employees millionaires.
Nvidia&#8217;s 2023 employee churn rate of 5.3% dipped to 2.7% after its market capitalization surpassed $1 trillion, compared to the industry average of 17.7%.
Nvidia&#8217;s artificial intelligence moat has enabled employees to indulge in luxury cars, high-end real estate, and sporting events like the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.
According to Bloomberg, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress, who assumed office 11 years ago, owns stock valued at $758.7 million, versus Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) CFO Jean Hu, who joined in 2023, who owns stock valued at $6.43 million.
Nvidia stock surged 170% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>) and iShares S&amp;P 500 Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IVW#NYSE">IVW</a>).
Price Actions: NVDA stock traded higher by 0.58% at $127.19 premarket at last check Tuesday.
Photo via Shutterstock

Nvidia's Stock Surge Turns Employees Into Millionaires, Cutting Churn to Record Low: Report

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) could face challenges in the Chinese market as Huawei Technologies prepares to launch its new AI chip, the Ascend 910C.
This chip aims to fill the void left by Nvidia after <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39616102/despite-restrictions-nvidia-chips-are-still-reaching-china-wsj" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S. export controls</a>, implemented in 2022, prevented the company from offering its most advanced chips, like the H100, to Chinese customers.
The impact of Huawei&#8217;s move could be substantial, as the Chinese tech giant has already garnered interest from major players like ByteDance, Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>), potentially threatening Nvidia&#8217;s dominance in the region, the Wall Street Journal <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/huawei-readies-new-chip-to-challenge-nvidia-surmounting-u-s-sanctions-e108187a?st=en0vpjcasing7jv&amp;mod=googlenewsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
If Huawei successfully produces the Ascend 910C and Nvidia remains restricted from selling its top-tier chips to China, Nvidia could see a rapid decline in its market share.
Industry analysts suggest that Huawei&#8217;s new chip may outperform Nvidia&#8217;s downgraded B20, which was designed to comply with U.S. export regulations. With orders for the 910C expected to reach over 70,000 units, valued at approximately $2 billion, Huawei is positioning itself as a formidable competitor.
Nvidia has maintained that the U.S. embargo on China has had no impact. The stock is up over 149% in the last 12 months, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40319192/whats-going-on-with-nvidia-stock-on-monday" rel="noreferrer noopener">backed by its</a> &#8220;walled garden&#8221; of developers who use its chips to build AI systems and other software. As Nvidia focuses on its coding expertise, it will likely maintain more leverage than its rivals.
Investors can gain exposure to Nvidia through SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Technology (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) and Vanguard Information Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>).
Price Action: NVDA shares traded higher by 5.05% at $114.53 at the last check on Tuesday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Nvidia Blog

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