Tech Focus - February 24, 2026 (Morning)

 ## Tech Sector Pulse Tech sentiment is buoyed this morning by a strong rebound in the technology sector, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (**XLK**) up 1.33% to $140.36. The Nasdaq 100 ETF (**QQQ**) also gained 1.04% to $607.67, signaling renewed investor confidence in tech stocks after recent volatility driven by AI fears and tariff uncertainties. The market is digesting a mix of developments including easing tariff concerns following a Supreme Court ruling, and significant AI infrastructure investments by major players, which are fueling optimism about growth prospects in AI and cloud computing. Investors are closely watching AI chipmakers and software firms as AI adoption accelerates. The sector is seeing a bifurcation where companies with clear AI growth narratives, such as chip suppliers and cloud software providers, are outperforming, while others face pressure amid concerns over AI disruption and spending sustainability. The upcoming earnings season, with key reports from Nvidia and Salesforce, is expected to provide further clarity on AI-driven demand trends and corporate spending patterns. ## Big Tech Watch **$NVDA** Nvidia remains the focal point ahead of its earnings report, with expectations high for a surge in AI-related revenue. The company is viewed as the AI market’s biggest test, with its Vera Rubin platform anticipated to ignite the next AI supercycle. Despite some Wall Street skepticism, whale investors and analysts are positioning for a strong beat, anticipating Nvidia to confirm its dominant role in AI infrastructure. The stock’s recent options activity suggests traders are preparing for significant volatility around the report. **$AAPL** Apple shareholders rejected a proposal demanding a report on China manufacturing entanglements, signaling continued confidence in Apple’s supply chain strategy despite geopolitical risks. Additionally, Apple is reportedly shifting some Mac Mini production to Houston from Asia, reflecting a strategic move to diversify manufacturing and mitigate tariff exposure. This could enhance Apple's operational resilience amid ongoing trade tensions. **$MSFT** Microsoft is in the spotlight for its AI success, partnering with SpaceX's Starlink on a global community internet effort, expanding its cloud and AI ecosystem reach. However, some commentary suggests Microsoft needs a refresh to maintain its competitive edge. The company’s AI initiatives and cloud expansion remain key drivers of investor interest as it prepares for its upcoming earnings. **$GOOGL** Alphabet's core businesses continue to grow steadily, with new data center projects powered by renewable energy in Minnesota reinforcing its commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Google’s expansion in data centers aligns with rising cloud demand and AI workloads, supporting its long-term growth narrative despite a slight stock pullback. **$META** Meta Platforms has announced a multibillion-dollar AI chip deal with AMD, committing to deploy millions of GPUs as part of its AI buildout. This deal, reportedly worth over $100 billion, underscores Meta’s aggressive investment in AI infrastructure following its recent Nvidia GPU commitments. Meta is also planning a stablecoin comeback in the second half of the year, signaling renewed interest in blockchain and digital payments. **$AMZN** Amazon’s capital expenditure is under scrutiny, but the company remains focused on expanding its cloud and AI capabilities. The firm is also involved in a legal challenge regarding alleged price competition stifling, which could impact its retail operations. Investors are watching for clarity on how Amazon balances growth investments with profitability. **$TSLA** Tesla faces challenges in Europe with registrations down 17% in January, highlighting regional market pressures. Meanwhile, Tesla’s Optimus robot project is anticipated to reach human-level proficiency this year, potentially opening a new growth avenue beyond automotive. However, the company must address its robotaxi service rollout and legacy auto decommissioning to sustain momentum. ## AI & Semiconductors AI infrastructure spending is accelerating, with Nvidia and AMD leading the charge. Nvidia’s upcoming earnings are highly anticipated as a barometer for AI demand, while AMD has secured a significant 6-gigawatt GPU deal with Meta, validating its position as a key AI chip supplier. This deal has propelled **$AMD** stock higher, reflecting strong investor confidence in its AI growth trajectory. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (**$TSM**) shares rose 4.36% to $386.16, benefiting from increased chip demand and supply chain optimism. Meanwhile, Intel (**$INTC**) is rallying on news of a partnership with AI chip startup SambaNova, signaling a strategic pivot to bolster its AI capabilities after recent acquisition talks reportedly failed. Broadcom (**$AVGO**) and other chipmakers are poised for growth as data center investments continue to expand. The data center trend is supported by deals like Google’s renewable-powered facility in Minnesota and Meta’s massive GPU deployments, which together indicate sustained demand for high-performance chips and infrastructure. ## Software & Cloud Enterprise software and cloud stocks are seeing mixed reactions amid AI disruption fears. Salesforce (**$CRM**) faces a critical earnings preview as its AI-driven SaaS profitability is under scrutiny. Despite recent stock weakness, Wedbush sees a buying opportunity in Salesforce’s AI investments. Snowflake (**$SNOW**) and Oracle (**$ORCL**) are benefiting from strong cloud ARR growth and free cash flow improvements. Snowflake’s shares rose 2% to $160.75, while Oracle gained 3.54% to $146.31, reflecting investor optimism about their cloud transition and AI integration strategies. Palantir (**$PLTR**) data not available for recent news, but the company remains a key player to watch given its AI and government contracts exposure. ## Tech Catalysts Today - Nvidia’s earnings report is the most anticipated event, expected to provide critical insights into AI spending trends and demand sustainability. - Salesforce is set to report earnings, with investors focused on AI profitability and guidance. - Rocket Lab (**$RKLB**) will release Q4 results, with expectations for another strong quarter amid aerospace tech demand. - Keysight Technologies (**$KEYS**) reports Q1 earnings, with recent strong orders positioning it as an AI winner. - Teradata (**$TDC**) reports on cloud ARR growth and free cash flow, relevant for cloud infrastructure investors. ## Tech Trading Ideas 1. **$NVDA** – Earnings catalyst with potential for a significant move based on AI demand confirmation. Options activity suggests volatility; a buy-the-dip or call spread strategy could capitalize on positive results. 2. **$AMD** – Beneficiary of Meta’s multibillion-dollar AI chip deal. Momentum is strong, and the stock could continue to rally as AI infrastructure spending accelerates. 3. **$TSM** – Strong chip demand and supply chain optimism support a breakout. Watch for continued gains as AI and data center investments drive semiconductor growth. Traders should monitor these names closely for earnings surprises, guidance updates, and AI infrastructure deal announcements that could drive short-term price action.