{"s":"ok","symbol":["AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL","AAPL"],"headline":["Apple and Nvidia Vie for the Position as the World's Biggest Company: Which Is the Better Buy Now?","History Says Investors Should Listen to Warren Buffett: The S&P 500 Is on the Verge of Doing Something for the First Time in 155 Years as Investors Buy \"Nothing But Hope.\"","AAPL Stock Hits Historic 11x Sales Valuation Ahead of Tim Cook's Final Earnings Call as Apple CEO","Should State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) Be on Your Investing Radar?","Should iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY) Be on Your Investing Radar?","China’s New AI Breakthrough Shows Tim Cook’s Risky Final Bet Might Actually Be Genius","Prediction markets favour Nvidia to stay on top despite Apple's charge","Alibaba's Apple tie-up adds fuel to China's hottest ETF: Chart of the Day","Should You Buy Alphabet Stock Before July 22? Wall Street Has a Clear Answer.","TSMC to raise chip manufacturing prices by up to 10% in 2027: Nikkei"],"content":["Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) has held the position as the world's biggest company since about a year ago, when it became the first to reach $4 trillion in market value. It soared past former leaders Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft. But in recent days, Apple, which hasn't climbed as much as its peers during the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, has been making a comeback.
And on July 17, Apple even slipped ahead of Nvidia to become -- at least for part of the trading session -- the world's biggest company. By the end of the day, though, Nvidia returned to the lead with a value of $4.9 trillion. That's compared to $4.89 trillion for Apple.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a \"Double Down\" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same \"Total Conviction\" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
As these tech giants vie for the position as the world's biggest company, which is the better buy now? Let's find out.Image source: Getty Images.
The case for Nvidia
Nvidia stock has soared more than 300% over the past three years amid excitement about its position in the AI market. The company is the No. 1 designer of graphic processing units (GPUs), the chips used to power AI development and use. This strength, along with Nvidia's full portfolio of related products and services, has generated double- and triple-digit earnings growth in recent years.
For example, in the recent quarter, Nvidia's revenue surged 85% to more than $81 billion, and this was at a high level of profitability on sales, as we can see through the company's gross margin -- that figure has exceeded 70% quarter after quarter.
Nvidia focuses on innovation, pledging to update its GPUs on an annual basis, and this has helped it stay ahead. The company has also steadily expanded its reach in order to make it the key place to go for anything AI. In the latest quarter, Nvidia announced the upcoming release of its first stand-alone central processing unit (CPU), a move that opens the door to a $200 billion market.
Investors have piled into Nvidia's stock in recent years, understanding that an investment in this company should put them on track to benefit from the AI revolution.
The case for Apple
Apple shares have advanced -- but not as much as those of Nvidia. Over the past three years, Apple has climbed about 70%. The company has been slower to invest in and apply AI than many of its peers -- for example, it only began rolling out AI features across its devices in the fall of 2024, and the rollout continues. So, investors aiming to get in on potential AI leaders turned away from Apple and chose companies that were investing more aggressively in the space.
Story Continues
This trend, however, hasn't hurt Apple's earnings growth. In fact, the company has proven itself to be a player investors can count on for progress in this area. Apple has a fantastic moat, or competitive advantage, and this is its brand -- customers love the iPhone and won't easily switch to another. In the first quarter, the iPhone 17 was the world's top-selling smartphone, according to Counterpoint Research.
Apple also is benefiting from its sales of services, with services revenue reaching records quarter after quarter. After building up more than 2.5 billion active devices over the years, Apple now can count on these devices for recurrent revenue. When customers sign up for digital entertainment or storage, for example, this represents a regular stream of income for the company.
Today, investors may be turning to Apple as they recognize these strengths and as they seek an alternative to companies heavily exposed to AI.
The better buy?
Nvidia and Apple have proven their earnings strength and leadership over time. So either makes a solid long-term investment. But if you could only choose one to buy right now, which one should you go for?
Nvidia clearly beats Apple when it comes to valuation, as we can see in the chart below.NVDA PE Ratio (Forward) data by YCharts
At these levels, the chip giant looks dirt cheap, particularly considering the AI empire it's built and its long-term prospects in the field. It's important to note that even if AI stocks slump temporarily, the AI story remains strong, with the technology already put to use in many areas.
So now is a fantastic moment to get in on Nvidia at these levels. That said, cautious investors who aim to avoid any AI turbulence still may prefer picking up Apple shares, as even at today's level, the stock has room to run.
Should you buy stock in Nvidia right now?
Before you buy stock in Nvidia, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Nvidia wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $371,842!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,244,783!*
Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 900% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2026.
Adria Cimino has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Apple and Nvidia Vie for the Position as the World's Biggest Company: Which Is the Better Buy Now? was originally published by The Motley Fool
View Comments","During a recent interview on CNBC, Warren Buffett offered a characteristically direct assessment of the current stock market climate. The \"Oracle of Omaha\" discussed the challenges of finding genuine value when investors are drawn more toward speculative buying than thorough due diligence.
At its core, Buffett's observation touches on a dynamic in which buyers seem to be investing in \"nothing but hope\" -- betting on future outcomes that may never materialize. Buffett's view prompts deeper analysis of how the stock market behaves when enthusiasm outpaces fundamentals and what that could mean for investors as the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) continues to march higher.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a \"Double Down\" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same \"Total Conviction\" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »Image source: Getty Images.
Berkshire's measured retreat from stocks
Berkshire Hathaway has employed a cautious posture in recent years. Rather than aggressively deploying capital across the market, the investment conglomerate has actually been a net seller of stocks. Berkshire has steadily reduced its stake in major holdings such as Apple, while exiting a number of smaller positions altogether in recent quarters. At the same time, Berkshire has built its cash reserves to grow substantially, creating the largest pool of uncommitted capital in its long history.BRK.B Cash and Short Term Investments (Quarterly) data by YCharts
This strategy reflects more than simple profit-taking. Rather, it's a deliberate preference for patience rather than chasing momentum higher. Even when selective opportunities have been pursued -- such as building exposure to Alphabet -- the overarching approach has been tempered.
By opting for liquidity over aggressive capital allocation, Berkshire is preserving flexibility for periods when genuine bargains might reemerge. This strategy underscores a core principle: Capital should be deployed when the risk-reward profile clearly indicates a favorable outcome -- not merely because stock prices are rising or sentiment feels strong.
What frothy valuations reveal through the CAPE ratio
One of the most useful tools for evaluating whether markets offer fair value is the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings (CAPE) ratio. This metric is calculated by taking current stock prices and comparing them to the average inflation-adjusted earnings during a full decade. By doing so, the CAPE ratio smooths out financial distortions seen during economic booms and recessions. The broader purpose of this ratio is to provide a longer-term sense of whether investors are paying reasonable prices relative to actual earning power.
Story Continues
When the CAPE ratio climbs above its historical norm, it typically indicates that stock prices embed optimistic assumptions about future growth. Currently, the CAPE boasts a reading of 41 -- more than double its long-term average of 17.8. Moreover, this is the highest level the CAPE ratio has reached since the dot-com boom in the late 1990s, which was followed by a protracted bust. At its current pace, the CAPE ratio is on the verge of possibly eclipsing its peak of 44, marking its highest level in 155 years.S&P 500 Shiller CAPE Ratio data by YCharts
The current level of the CAPE ratio suggests that a meaningful portion of today's prices hinge on expectations of sustained valuation expansion, technological breakthroughs, and continued economic resilience. This type of environment echoes Buffett's concern about investing chasing momentum-driven hope.
Just as earlier speculative episodes priced in bullish scenarios that proved uncertain and uneven in their outcomes, today's valuation multiples leave little room for disappointment. When stock prices become detached from underlying business fundamentals, the margin for error shrinks and prices eventually revert as expectations become more aligned with reality.
How should you invest in 2026?
Given the current conditions, investors are best served by employing enduring disciplines rather than attempting to outguess short-term fluctuations. Dollar-cost averaging helps remove emotion from the equation as it ensures participation across varying price levels and different market cycles. This strategy acknowledges that no one can accurately predict the perfect entry point and instead focuses on steady accumulation over a long-term horizon.
Additionally, concentrating on high-quality companies with competitive advantages, strong balance sheets, and the capacity to compound value over time provides a more durable foundation than chasing the latest theme. Diversification across these businesses further reduces the impact of any single earnings surprise.
Meanwhile, holding a cash reserve alongside stocks serves dual purposes: It offers protection during periods of volatility and provides dry powder for opportunities that may appear attractive when sentiment cools.
Ultimately, Buffett's comments showcase that the stock market can remain elevated for extended stretches without immediate consequence. The response is not to abandon stocks altogether, but rather to buy them with more selectivity. By emphasizing patience and a clear-eyed view of valuation, smart investors can more easily navigate periods of widespread froth. The ultimate goal should always be to own sound businesses at reasonable prices that eventually reward time and discipline over fleeting hope.
Should you buy stock in S&P 500 Index right now?
Before you buy stock in S&P 500 Index, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and S&P 500 Index wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $371,842!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,244,783!*
Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 900% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 207% for the S&P 500. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built by individual investors for individual investors.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2026.
Adam Spatacco has positions in Alphabet. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, and Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
History Says Investors Should Listen to Warren Buffett: The S&P 500 Is on the Verge of Doing Something for the First Time in 155 Years as Investors Buy \"Nothing But Hope.\" was originally published by The Motley Fool
View Comments","Apple Inc.'s (NASDAQ:AAPL) valuation has officially shattered records, trading at an unprecedented 11 times its sales revenue just as CEO Tim Cook prepares to oversee his final earnings report.
The technology behemoth touched an intraday all-time high of $334.99 on Friday, July 17, reflecting surging investor optimism in artificial intelligence and pushing the company to its \"highest valuation level in company history.\"
Artificial Intelligence Drives Sentiment Shift
Apple's recent stock surge on Friday briefly propelled it past Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) to reclaim the title of the world's most valuable company, with a market valuation reaching $4.88 trillion. This milestone highlights a significant shift in market perception regarding the company's technological roadmap.
\"Apple was seen as a laggard in the AI race because it wasn't spending to develop models, but now sentiment has changed,\" Toni Meadows, head of investment at BRI Wealth Management, told The Guardian.
The introduction of a revamped Siri and expanding AI features has reinvigorated a consumer base that initially worried Apple had fallen behind. This massive valuation shift was echoed by market strategist Charlie Bilello, who noted on X that Apple is \"trading at nearly 11x sales, the highest valuation level in company history.\"
Apple is now trading at nearly 11x sales, the highest valuation level in company history. $AAPLpic.twitter.com/L9ewxaNnVQ
— Charlie Bilello (@charliebilello) July 20, 2026
Read Also:Ross Gerber Says Apple Should Buy Disney or 'Stop Wasting Time' in Entertainment
An 'End Of An Era'
The soaring share price coincides with a monumental leadership transition. BofA Securities analystWamsi Mohan characterized the upcoming July 30 third-quarter earnings report as the \"end of an era,\" as it marks the final call with Cook as CEO before hardware veteran John Ternus takes over the helm in September.
While reiterating a Buy rating and a $380 price target, Mohan remains cautious about short-term hardware cycles. \"Overall builds are likely strong, but we are taking a conservative approach; iPhone launch cadence can change some seasonality, which we are reflecting,\" Mohan explained.
As the stock hovers near its absolute peak, Mohan highlighted that \"investor questions focus on sustainability on strong iPhone demand and whether the 'supercycle' thesis can really play out\".
How Has AAPL Performed In 2026?
AAPL shares were up 20.13% year-to-date, 9.59% over the last month, and higher by 54.66% over the year. It closed 2.14% lower at $326.59 per share on Monday, and it was down 0.51% in premarket on Tuesday.
Story Continues
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicate that AAPL maintains a strong price trend in the short, long and medium terms, with a moderate growth score.Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings for AAPL.
Read Also:Bill Ackman Says META and AMZN Are 'Cheap Stocks' Despite Their Massive Size
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
View more ratings on AAPL
Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market.
Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga:
APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report
This article AAPL Stock Hits Historic 11x Sales Valuation Ahead of Tim Cook's Final Earnings Call as Apple CEO originally appeared on Benzinga.com
© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
View Comments","If you're interested in broad exposure to the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market, look no further than the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on January 29, 1993.
The fund is sponsored by State Street Investment Management. It has amassed assets over $781.93 billion, making it the largest ETF attempting to match the Large Cap Blend segment of the US equity market.
Why Large Cap Blend
Large cap companies typically have a market capitalization above $10 billion. Considered a more stable option, large cap companies boast more predictable cash flows and are less volatile than their mid and small cap counterparts.
Blend ETFs are aptly named, since they tend to hold a mix of growth and value stocks, as well as show characteristics of both kinds of equities.
Costs
When considering an ETF's total return, expense ratios are an important factor, and cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive counterparts in the long term if all other factors remain equal.
Annual operating expenses for this ETF are 0.09%, making it one of the least expensive products in the space.
It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.01%.
Sector Exposure and Top Holdings
While ETFs offer diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk, a deep look into a fund's holdings is a valuable exercise. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.
This ETF has heaviest allocation to the Information Technology sector -- about 36.1% of the portfolio. Financials and Telecom round out the top three.
Looking at individual holdings, Nvidia Corp (NVDA) accounts for about 8.04% of total assets, followed by Apple Inc (AAPL) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT).
The top 10 holdings account for about 38.84% of total assets under management.
Performance and Risk
SPY seeks to match the performance of the S&P 500 Index before fees and expenses. The S&P 500 Index is composed of five hundred selected stocks, all of which are listed on national stock exchanges and span over 25 separate industry groups.
The ETF has added about 9.37% so far this year and is up roughly 19.45% in the last one year (as of 07/21/2026). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $621.72 and $759.57.
The ETF has a beta of 1.00 and standard deviation of 15.03% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 505 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.
Alternatives
Story Continues
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Because of this, SPY is an excellent option for investors seeking exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend segment of the market. There are other additional ETFs in the space that investors could consider as well.
The iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and the Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF Shares (VOO) track the same index. While iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has $880.67 billion in assets, Vanguard 500 Index Fund ETF Shares has $973.83 billion. IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% and VOO charges 0.03%.
Bottom-Line
Retail and institutional investors increasingly turn to passively managed ETFs because they offer low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency; these kind of funds are also excellent vehicles for long term investors.
To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY): ETF Research Reports
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments","Designed to provide broad exposure to the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market, the iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY) is a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on September 22, 2009.
The fund is sponsored by Blackrock. It has amassed assets over $16.29 billion, making it one of the largest ETFs attempting to match the Large Cap Growth segment of the US equity market.
Why Large Cap Growth
Large cap companies typically have a market capitalization above $10 billion. Overall, they are usually a stable option, with less risk and more sure-fire cash flows than mid and small cap companies.
While growth stocks do boast higher than average sales and earnings growth rates, and they are expected to grow faster than the wider market, investors should note these kinds of stocks have higher valuations. Also, growth stocks are a type of equity that carries more risk compared to others. They are likely to outperform value stocks in strong bull markets but over the longer-term, value stocks have delivered better returns than growth stocks in almost all markets.
Costs
Investors should also pay attention to an ETF'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 this ETF are 0.2%, making it one of the cheaper products in the space.
It has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.36%.
Sector Exposure and Top Holdings
Even though ETFs offer diversified exposure that minimizes single stock risk, investors should also look at the actual holdings inside the fund. Luckily, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.
This ETF has heaviest allocation to the Information Technology sector -- about 55.7% of the portfolio. Telecom and Consumer Discretionary round out the top three.
Looking at individual holdings, Nvidia Corp (NVDA) accounts for about 16.08% of total assets, followed by Apple Inc (AAPL) and Microsoft Corp (MSFT).
The top 10 holdings account for about 66.33% of total assets under management.
Performance and Risk
IWY seeks to match the performance of the Russell Top 200 Growth Index before fees and expenses. The Russell Top 200 Growth Index is a style factor weighted index that measures the performance of the largest capitalization growth sector of the U.S. equity market. It is a subset of the Russell Top 200 Index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth, which measures the performance of the largest capitalization sector of the U.S. equity market.
Story Continues
The ETF has gained about 1.07% so far this year and was up about 11.29% in the last one year (as of 07/21/2026). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $239.90 and $302.16.
The ETF has a beta of 1.16 and standard deviation of 19.32% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 114 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk.
Alternatives
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 2 (Buy), which is based on expected asset class return, expense ratio, and momentum, among other factors. Because of this, IWY is a great option for investors seeking exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Growth segment of the market. There are other additional ETFs in the space that investors could consider as well.
The Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF Shares (VUG) and the Invesco QQQ (QQQ) track a similar index. While Vanguard Growth Index Fund ETF Shares has $221.28 billion in assets, Invesco QQQ has $464.02 billion. VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03% and QQQ charges 0.18%.
Bottom-Line
Passively managed ETFs are becoming increasingly popular with institutional as well as retail investors due to their low cost, transparency, flexibility and tax efficiency. They are excellent vehicles for long term investors.
To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
iShares Russell Top 200 Growth ETF (IWY): ETF Research Reports
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
Zacks Investment Research
View Comments","Quick Read
China approved Apple Intelligence via Alibaba and Baidu partnerships, sending AAPL shares to a record high as Greater China sales surged 28% to $20.5 billion. In Hong Kong, BABA jumped 5% and BIDU rose 4% on news that their AI models unlocked China's market for Apple Intelligence. Tim Cook's model-agnostic AI strategy deploys local partners like Alibaba in China and Google's Gemini in the US without Apple owning the compute. Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Apple didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
For nearly two years, the knock on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was that it had fallen behind in artificial intelligence. A single approval out of Beijing just complicated that story, and it may vindicate one of Tim Cook's most contrarian bets on Apple Intelligence China.Canva
China's Cyberspace Administration has approved Apple Intelligence for launch in China, clearing a regulatory hurdle in place since the feature debuted in 2024. The approval hinges on a partnership integrating Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) and its Qwen model into Apple's operating systems, with Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) confirmed as a development partner.
Markets liked it. Apple shares climbed to a record high on the news, per CNBC's reporting, driving the Apple stock record high narrative. In Hong Kong trading, Alibaba jumped 5% and Baidu rose 4%.
Why This Approval Mattered So Much
Apple Intelligence had been stuck in China since 2024. Chinese rules require AI systems to run on approved domestic models, which is why the Alibaba Qwen and Baidu partnerships unlocked the door.
The stakes are visible. Apple's Greater China sales hit $20.5 billion in the second quarter of 2026, up 28% year over year. Its share of China's smartphone market rose to 18.1% from 13.9% a year earlier, according to IDC, helped by iPhone discounts during a recent shopping festival.
[fwp_analyst_ratings symbol=\"AAPL\" /]
Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Apple didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
The Tim Cook AI Strategy Everyone Called Risky
While Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and Meta poured tens of billions into proprietary frontier models and data centers, Apple declined to join that arms race. It bet on a \"model-agnostic\" partnership approach, plugging in outside intelligence rather than owning it.
That looked passive to critics. But the China approval shows the upside. By partnering with Alibaba and Baidu, Apple met local regulatory requirements almost automatically. The same playbook is visible at home: Apple struck a multi-year deal to use Google's Gemini to help power its revamped Siri, expected to launch in September, running in part on Google Cloud and Nvidia chips.
Story Continues
[fwp_price_target symbol=\"AAPL\" /]
Why the \"Risky\" Bet May Be Genius
Cook's strategy lets Apple wear different AI engines in different regulatory regimes without carrying the compute burden itself. Google's Gemini powers the experience in the United States. Alibaba's Qwen and Baidu handle China. Apple supplies the device, operating system, and distribution to more than 2.5 billion active devices.
As AI infrastructure costs balloon industry-wide, that capital-light model looks less like a weakness and more like a structural advantage. Rivals own the compute. Apple owns the customer.
The Case for Restraint
This is one milestone in one market, well short of a finish line. No firm launch date for Apple Intelligence in China has been announced, so execution risk is real. Apple is also navigating a trade-secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, and it still trails Huawei, which remains the top smartphone seller in its home market of China.
[fwp_price_scenario symbol=\"AAPL\" /]
A strategy that looked like Apple sitting out the AI race now looks like a deliberate, capital-efficient way to run it. Whether it becomes a durable advantage depends on execution Apple has not yet delivered. For a \"final bet\" that Wall Street spent two years doubting, Tim Cook just got meaningful validation.
Act now: the analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Apple didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Contact editorial@247wallst.com for any questions or corrections.
View Comments","Punters on the prediction platform Polymarket still expect Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA, XETRA:NVD) to end July as the world's most valuable company, even after a wobble that briefly cost it the crown.
Traders put the chipmaker's chances at 70%, well ahead of Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL, XETRA:APC) on 29%, with Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:TSLA) and the rest of big tech trailing at less than 2% each.
The market has swung sharply this month.
Nvidia's odds have slid 18 points in recent trading, with Apple gaining the same amount, as a sell-off in semiconductor and AI stocks reshuffled the rankings.
The shift followed a dramatic session late last week.
Apple, worth about $4.8 trillion, briefly overtook Nvidia on $4.92 trillion during Friday trading, reclaiming the top spot for the first time since April 2025.
Nvidia shares fell almost 4% at the open before paring losses, as investors questioned whether the vast sums poured into AI infrastructure will pay off.
Those doubts have intensified as OpenAI and Anthropic, two of the most valuable private companies ever, filed to go public.
Nvidia had led the global rankings since June 2025 and in October became the first company to cross $5 trillion.
Apple, by contrast, has been the standout performer of the so-called Magnificent Seven this year, up more than 22%, helped by a warm reception for its redesigned Siri voice assistant.
Its relatively light spending on AI has ironically become a strength as the chip trade unwinds.
The contest remains close, with barely $1 trillion separating the pair at times on Friday.
Volumes on the Polymarket contract have topped $3.1 million, underlining the interest in a rivalry that has come to symbolise the wider debate over AI valuations.
Both companies remain within touching distance of the $5 trillion mark.
View Comments","Alibaba (BABA) is helping power a broad China internet rebound. KWEB is still buried nearly 75% below its record.
The KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB) has jumped nearly 13% in July, putting it atop the thematic ETF leaderboard even as the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) has fallen about 2%.
Alibaba is leading the rally, up nearly 27% this month.
The latest boost came after China registered Apple Intelligence for use on iPhones in the country, clearing a major regulatory hurdle for its long-delayed rollout.
Alibaba said its Qwen model will be integrated across Apple's iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro operating systems in China. Apple is also working with Baidu on features for Chinese users, though regulators did not provide a launch date.
The approval gives Apple a path to close a major product gap in China, where advanced AI features have become a key battleground among smartphone makers.
For Alibaba, the tie-up puts Qwen inside one of the world's largest consumer-device ecosystems.
Apple (AAPL) has already been one of the Dow's strongest July performers, up more than 12% this month.
KWEB has kept pace with Apple and outrun every Magnificent Seven stock except Meta (META). Microsoft (MSFT) is up roughly 8% in July and Amazon (AMZN) about 5%, while Nvidia (NVDA) has gained just over 2%.
Alibaba is not alone. JD.com (JD) has climbed about 20% in July, KE Holdings (BEKE) roughly 18%, and PDD Holdings (PDD) about 13%.
The latest surge extends a China tech comeback that began gathering momentum this spring.
But the longer chart remains brutal.
KWEB closed at a record $103.56 in February 2021. At roughly $28 today, the fund remains down more than 73%.
The immediate test sits near $27.50 to $28, a zone that repeatedly shaped trading earlier this year. Holding above it would put the spring highs near $31 back in view.
A break above $31 would open the door to a larger recovery. Below $27.50, KWEB would remain trapped beneath the top of its 2026 range.
Jared Blikre is the global markets and data editor for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @SPYJared or email him at jaredblikre@yahooinc.com.
Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices
Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
View Comments","Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) (NASDAQ: GOOG) will announce its second-quarter financial results after the market closes on Wednesday, July 22. The stock is up 87% in the past year, but it's also down 14% from the record high it reached in May.
Should investors buy a few shares ahead of the earnings report? Most Wall Street analysts say the answer is \"yes.\" Alphabet has a median target price of $440 per share, which implies 27% upside from the current share price of $346. However, investors should first acquaint themselves with the company.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a \"Double Down\" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same \"Total Conviction\" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Read on to learn more.Image source: The Motley Fool.
Here's what Wall Street expects when Alphabet reports earnings on July 22
Alphabet reported impressive financial results in the first quarter. Revenue increased 22% to $109.8 billion, the fourth straight acceleration, driven by particularly strong sales growth in the cloud segment, which itself was due to insatiable demand for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
Meanwhile, net income increased 82% to $5.11 per diluted share, but that figure was inflated by unrealized investment gains, primarily from Alphabet's stake in SpaceX. Operating earnings, which excludes those investment gains, increased 29% to $39.6 billion.
Alphabet didn't provide guidance for the second quarter. But the Wall Street consensus estimate says revenue will increase 21% to $116.8 billion and earnings (excluding the impact of unrealized investment gains) will increase 25% to $2.89 per diluted share.
Investors should review management's commentary about capital expenditures (capex), meaning what the company plans to spend on property, plants, and equipment this year. During the first-quarter earnings call, management said capex would total $180 billion to $190 billion in 2026, slightly higher than what it projected earlier in the year. Investors may get nervous if the company revises that figure even higher.
The investment thesis for Alphabet centers on AI cloud services
Alphabet's primary growth driver will be its cloud computing business. The company still trails Amazon and Microsoft, but it's steadily gaining market share because of the popularity of its Gemini models and custom AI accelerators called tensor processing units (TPUs). Google Cloud accounted for 14% of cloud infrastructure spending in Q1 2026, up from 12% in Q1 2025.
Story Continues
Gemini could become a major source of revenue. Using Google Cloud tools, developers can fine-tune and integrate the models into custom applications. For instance, Apple used Gemini infrastructure to develop the foundation models that power its upgraded Siri voice assistant. But Alphabet also offers prebuilt applications, such as the AI agent Gemini Spark.
TPUs could also become a major source of revenue. Earlier this year, Alphabet announced plans to create a new AI cloud company in partnership with private equity firm Blackstone. Unlike other cloud platforms, TPUs (rather than Nvidia GPUs) will power the infrastructure. Additionally, Alphabet recently started selling TPUs to customers for use in their own data centers.
Morgan Stanley analyst Brian Nowak estimates TPUs will account for 25% of Google Cloud revenue by 2028, up from about 5% today. In turn, he expects Google Cloud revenue to grow at 75% annually over that period, bringing Alphabet's companywide earnings per share to $19 in 2028. That implies annual growth of 15%, which more or less aligns with the Wall Street consensus.
In that context, Alphabet's current valuation of 26 times earnings looks quite reasonable. That's especially true because the company has another compelling growth opportunity in its autonomous driving business Waymo. Investors should feel comfortable buying a small position today, though I would keep some cash in reserve to capitalize on a post-earnings dip should the company's second-quarter results fail to impress.
Should you buy stock in Alphabet right now?
Before you buy stock in Alphabet, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Alphabet wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut are built for long-term growth and could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $371,842!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,244,783!*
That performance is why people listen. With a track record of beating the S&P 500 by 4x, Stock Advisor offers a distinct advantage. Don't miss the latest top 10 list, available with Stock Advisor, and join an investing community built for the long haul.
See the 10 stocks »
*Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2026.
Trevor Jennewine has positions in Amazon and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Blackstone, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Should You Buy Alphabet Stock Before July 22? Wall Street Has a Clear Answer. was originally published by The Motley Fool
View Comments","[Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plant in Tainan Science Park, Taiwan]
BING-JHEN HONG/iStock Editorial via Getty Images
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) plans to raise prices for both advanced and mature chip manufacturing services by as much as 10% in 2027, citing higher costs for materials, production equipment, and the construction of new overseas fabrication plants, _Nikkei Asia _reported.
TSMC — which produces chips for some of the world's largest tech companies, including Apple (AAPL [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AAPL]), Nvidia (NVDA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NVDA]) and AMD (AMD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMD]) — has informed customers of planned price increases, with base hikes ranging from 5% to 10% depending on the product and customer, the report said, citing people with knowledge of the matter.
Orders for additional high-performance computing chips beyond customers' original forecasts could face an extra 10% to 15% premium on top of the base increase, pushing total price increases above 10% for some advanced chips, the people said.
For mature-node production, covering 12-nm, 16-nm, 28-nm technologies and other legacy processes, TSMC plans to raise prices by up to 10%, although increases for some products will be below that level, the sources told Nikkei Asia. Mature-node chips accounted for about 23% of the company's revenue in the latest quarter.
Negotiations reportedly began in June and concluded in July, with the new pricing expected to take effect at the start of 2027.
TSMC declined to comment on pricing, telling _Nikkei Asia_ that its pricing strategy is \"strategic, not opportunistic.\" According to industry executives familiar with TSMC's pricing strategy, the chipmaker has opted for a less aggressive approach.
TSMC chairman & CEO C.C. Wei addressed the company's pricing strategy at the firm’s recent earnings call. \"We don't suddenly increase our price ... four or five times,\" Wei said, adding that it would be hard for customers to survive such price increases.
\"We earn our value and we make sure that our profit, our gross margin is enough for our long-term sustaining expansion,\" he added. \"That's to the benefit of my customers and TSMC also. That's our philosophy.\"
Several chipmakers, including Intel (INTC [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/INTC]), AMD (AMD [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/AMD]), Vanguard International Semiconductor and UMC (UMC [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/UMC]), have also raised prices this year to offset higher operating costs.
TSM shares were up nearly 4% premarket.
MORE ON TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY
\t* TSMC Beat, The Stock Fell Anyway: Here's What Got Priced In [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4923555-tsmc-beat-the-stock-fell-anyway-heres-what-got-priced-in]
\t* TSMC: Unfolding CapEx Boom [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4923405-tsmc-unfolding-capex-boom]
\t* Taiwan Semiconductor: The Buildout Is Still Accelerating [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4923343-taiwan-semiconductor-stock-buildout-is-still-accelerating]
\t* TSMC CFO: Ramping up Arizona buildout to seize AI ‘megatrend’, 2nm chips ready to power Q3 revenue [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4615142-tsmc-cfo-ramping-up-arizona-buildout-ai-megatrend-2nm-chips-ready-to-power-q3-revenue]
\t* Insider trades: Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Broadcom among notable names [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4615064-insider-trades-morgan-stanley-goldman-sachs-broadcom-among-notable-names]
"],"source":["https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/apple-nvidia-vie-position-worlds-113000125.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/history-says-investors-listen-warren-111000036.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/aapl-stock-hits-historic-11x-102629358.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/state-street-spdr-p-500-102003104.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/ishares-russell-top-200-growth-102002701.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/ai/articles/china-ai-breakthrough-shows-tim-101020131.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/prediction-markets-favour-nvidia-stay-100100824.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/article/alibabas-apple-tie-up-adds-fuel-to-chinas-hottest-etf-chart-of-the-day-101500518.html","https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/buy-alphabet-stock-july-22-092200674.html","https://seekingalpha.com/news/4615720-tsmc-to-raise-chip-manufacturing-prices-by-up-to-10-in-2027-nikkei?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news"],"publicationDate":[1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400,1784606400],"updated":1784606400}