NVIDIA

Amazon secured a $38 billion deal with OpenAI for AWS infrastructure access, diversifying OpenAI’s cloud services beyond Microsoft. This fueled Amazon’s stock to a record high close. Microsoft also benefited from a US license to export Nvidia AI chips to the UAE, boosting Nvidia’s shares. While tech stocks lifted indices, many S&P 500 stocks closed lower, signaling narrow market participation. Palantir’s positive results were overshadowed by a stock decline. Markets predominantly advanced, but risks to global equities are mounting.

Nvidia’s stock surged to a new high, nearing a $5.12 trillion market cap, driven by AI infrastructure investments from tech giants like Meta, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Loop Capital raised its price target, anticipating increased GPU production and revenue growth. Microsoft secured licenses to ship Nvidia chips to the UAE, while South Korea collaborates with Nvidia on national AI infrastructure. The article underscores the strategic importance of AI infrastructure for both businesses and national security, advising caution on speculative AI investments while highlighting Nvidia’s promising future.

Microsoft has secured US export licenses to ship Nvidia chips, including potentially next-generation GPUs, to the UAE, boosting the nation’s AI ambitions. The approval, granted by the US Commerce Department, is subject to stringent technology safeguards. This allows Microsoft to provide access to advanced AI models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and others. The agreement includes substantial investments, like $1.5 billion in AI firm G42, solidifying Microsoft’s commitment to the UAE and its AI development. Nvidia shares saw a rise following the announcement.

October saw the S&P 500 rise 2.3%, defying “Octoberphobia,” while the Nasdaq surged 4.7%, driven by tech, particularly AI. Amazon’s cloud growth fueled by AI demand boosted the market. Nvidia’s valuation hit $5 trillion, with CEO Jensen Huang describing AI as a “virtuous cycle.” Tech companies are increasing AI infrastructure investment significantly. China’s factory activity slowed, Baidu’s robotaxi rides reached 250,000 weekly, and Berkshire Hathaway’s operating profit jumped 34%. U.S. markets ended Friday higher.

October saw unexpected market strength, defying “Octoberphobia” concerns. The S&P 500 rose 2.3% and Nasdaq surged 4.7%, fueled by tech sector growth. Amazon’s cloud-computing success, driven by AI demand, boosted AI-related stocks. Nvidia’s $5 trillion valuation highlights AI’s dominance. Big Tech’s increased capital expenditure on AI infrastructure signals long-term growth potential and a sustained “virtuous cycle” of AI adoption and innovation.

Samsung is investing in a 50,000 Nvidia GPU cluster, dubbed the “AI Megafactory,” to enhance chip manufacturing for mobile devices and robotics. This project signifies the escalating demand for AI acceleration and strengthens Nvidia’s position in the AI revolution. In addition to being a customer, Samsung will leverage Nvidia’s Omniverse and optimize chipmaking lithography. Samsung will also collaborate with Nvidia on HBM4 memory technology for future AI chips. These partnerships support Korea’s ambition to become a global AI leader.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated at the APEC CEO Summit that AI has entered a “virtuous cycle,” driving exponential growth through increased investment and model sophistication. He highlighted how better AI leads to more usage, profit, and infrastructure, fueling continuous improvement. Big Tech’s massive AI investments reflect this dynamic. Huang also views AI as revolutionizing the computing landscape, shifting from CPUs to GPUs, requiring a transition in existing computing infrastructure. He predicts AI will transform industries worth $100 trillion globally.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang defends selling advanced semiconductors to China, citing mutual benefits despite national security concerns and U.S. export controls. He acknowledges China’s AI leadership and significant market potential, estimating it at $50 billion this year. Huang also highlights Huawei’s technological prowess, emphasizing that underestimating China’s capabilities would be “foolish”. He believes collaboration serves both countries’ interests amid rising tensions.

Nvidia’s AI dominance highlights strategic alliances with Nokia and Eli Lilly, alongside domestic Blackwell GPU production in Arizona. The Fed is expected to cut rates. OpenAI completed its transition into a nonprofit and affirmed Microsoft’s stake. The government shutdown continues, causing legal challenges and impacting federal employees. Boeing faces a slight dip due to a $4.9B charge on the 777X delays, despite improved deliveries.

Fueled by megacap tech stocks, particularly Nvidia, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached intraday highs. Nvidia’s valuation surpassed $5 trillion after projecting substantial data center visibility, exceeding Wall Street estimates due to surging AI demand. Potential easing of US-China trade restrictions could further boost Nvidia’s growth. Corning also rebounded, poised to benefit from the increasing demand for fiber optic cables in data centers supporting AI. Investors are awaiting the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision amidst earnings reports.