Daniel Loeb's Third Point hedge fund is increasing its AI exposure by acquiring significant positions in chip-equipment makers KLA Corporation, ASML Holding, and Lam Research. All three companies reported strong quarterly earnings that beat expectations, with positive guidance and analyst upgrades, reflecting robust demand driven by AI infrastructure buildout.

With S&P 500 earnings growth forecast at 22% for 2026 and 15% for 2027, driven largely by AI infrastructure development, the article recommends the Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) as a more selective alternative to broad-market funds like VOO. SPHQ focuses on high-quality companies with strong fundamentals and has outperformed VOO over 3 and 5-year periods while providing better insulation against economic downturns.

The Nasdaq 100 rose 1.1% on Thursday, led by semiconductor equipment makers rallying on positive analyst upgrades and AI data-center demand outlook. However, Oracle plunged 11.6% despite record earnings, citing a $40 billion financing plan and 162% increase in capital spending for AI infrastructure. Software stocks broadly declined while small caps and chip-related equities outperformed.

Wall Street recovered from a three-day losing streak on Thursday, with the Dow Jones up 0.7% and S&P 500 up 0.4% by noon. Chip equipment makers led gains, but momentum faded due to hotter-than-expected inflation data and Middle East tensions. SpaceX is expected to debut Friday at a $1.75 trillion valuation, with some analysts suggesting this week's tech weakness reflects investors liquidating positions to fund the historic IPO.

The Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund (STK) dropped significantly following an AI stock selloff triggered by a stronger-than-expected jobs report. The author argues this is a buying opportunity, as the selloff is driven by profit-taking rather than fundamental concerns. The fund now trades at a 4.6% discount to NAV and offers a 3.6% yield, with holdings in major AI companies positioned to recover as market sentiment normalizes.

The article compares two growth-focused ETFs: Invesco QQQ (QQQ), which tracks the 100 largest non-financial Nasdaq stocks with heavy tech exposure, and Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF (SCHG), which uses fundamental screening across a broader universe. While QQQ has outperformed significantly year-to-date (+21.1% vs +8.4%), the author recommends SCHG due to its lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.18%), better diversification beyond tech, and concerns that QQQ's semiconductor and memory stock outperformance may be unsustainable.

U.S. stocks rebounded strongly on Monday following signs of de-escalation in the Middle East and a halt to semiconductor selloffs. The Nasdaq 100 led gains with a 2.1% jump, driven by a sharp recovery in chip stocks. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% while the Dow edged up 0.2%. Crude oil and Treasury yields eased as geopolitical tensions cooled, though rate-hike concerns persist following Friday's strong jobs report.

Director Marc Haugen sold 9,923 shares of Ichor Holdings (ICHR) for approximately $716,000, reducing his direct stake by 38%. While the stock has surged 343% over the past year, the article cautions that this gain is primarily driven by multiple expansion rather than fundamental improvements. The key investment question is whether semiconductor equipment spending has more runway or is approaching a peak, as Ichor's fortunes are tied to capex cycles of OEM customers.

U.S. stock indices reached fresh record highs on Tuesday, driven by a surge in semiconductor and AI-infrastructure stocks. Marvell Technology soared 20% after Nvidia's CEO praised it as 'the next trillion-dollar company' and committed a $2 billion investment. Hewlett Packard Enterprise surged 30% on strong earnings and AI orders. Optical networking and chip stocks rallied broadly, while software stocks pulled back significantly.

The semiconductor sector is transitioning from an AI hype-driven rally to a sustainable growth story, with the AI market expected to grow from nearly $1 trillion in annual sales to $2 trillion by 2036. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is recommended as a way to gain exposure to industry leaders like Nvidia, TSMC, and Intel, which are positioned to drive future growth despite recent consolidation in non-megacap names.

Lam Research Corporation announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share of common stock, payable on July 8, 2026, to shareholders of record on June 17, 2026. The semiconductor equipment supplier noted that future dividend payments remain subject to Board review and approval.

U.S. stock markets rebounded midday Wednesday as oil prices fell over 5% on hopes of U.S.-Iran de-escalation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.9% to 7,418, with the Russell 2000 outperforming at +2.3%. Semiconductor stocks led gains ahead of Nvidia's earnings, while energy stocks declined. Airlines benefited from lower fuel costs, but energy companies and some earnings reporters faced headwinds.