Introduction
The Nasdaq 100 recently hit a new record, with technology companies regaining momentum. Leading the pack was Meta, which saw an 11.4% increase, along with significant gains in semiconductor companies.
US Market Focuses on AI Companies
The US market has once again turned its attention to companies associated with artificial intelligence (AI). The Nasdaq 100 reached a new all-time high during the day, while major tech companies regained ground against the S&P 500. This shift was accompanied by improved conditions for companies with high levels of investment and financing. The fall in bond yields eased some of the pressure that had been affecting the tech sector.
The recovery was also reflected in semiconductors. The PHLX index gained 4.3%, with strong advances from AMD (10%), Intel (12.2%), and Arm Holdings (17%).
Meta’s Surge Pushes Nasdaq 100 to a New Record
Among the major tech companies, Meta had a particularly positive day, with its shares increasing by 11.4%. This surge came after Muse reached the top spot among the free apps on the US App Store.
The market’s reaction is related to expectations about Meta’s new proposal, which includes an assistant capable of performing tasks on behalf of the user. Nvidia also followed suit, with a 2.3% improvement on the day and a cumulative increase of 9% over the last month.
During the same period, Apple gained 9%, with its shares rising 0.8% during the day. Tesla advanced 3% on Monday and has seen a monthly improvement of 7.5%. Microsoft, on the other hand, recorded a daily increase of 1.6% and 2.9% over the last 30 days. Alphabet showed increases of 1.5% and 2.9%, respectively. Amazon had a different performance: it gained 1.8% during the day, but still has a monthly decline of 1.3%.
AI Companies Lead the Gains
The recent market behavior shows a concentration of gains in AI-related companies. Since September 16, this group within the S&P 500 has seen an 8% increase, compared to 1% for the rest of the companies.
Semiconductors were the biggest winners of the year, with a rise close to 51%. In comparison, the S&P 500 equal-weighted index advanced around 10%, while the “Magnificent Seven” recorded a close to 8% improvement in that period.
However, the major tech companies have begun to reverse their relative weakness against the S&P 500 in recent sessions. The Roundhill Magnificent Seven, an index that brings together the seven major tech companies, has seen a weekly increase close to 5%, while it has advanced 8% in the month.
Performance of the Magnificent Seven
Data from Bloomberg shows that the Magnificent Seven have seen an annual gain of 11%. Most of this result is due to the performance of the last month, when the group recorded an 8.5% increase.
The pace is slower than observed in the previous two years. During 2025, the combined value of these companies increased by 21% on the stock market, while in 2024 they had achieved a return of 48%.
The recent evolution of Meta stands out within the group. The company has seen an increase of more than 30% in the last month.
Market Evaluates Investment Returns in AI
Beyond the evolution of stock prices, one of the points under analysis is the volume of resources that companies allocate to AI infrastructure. The spending continues to increase despite warnings from within the industry about the security risks associated with the development of uncontrolled AI systems. These concerns had previously contributed to a global sell-off of tech stocks.
The behavior of bond yields is also relevant for tech companies. When rates stop increasing, companies with significant financing needs can find a less demanding scenario for their valuations.
Meta and Analyst Expectations
According to TipRanks, 43 analysts reviewed Meta’s stock: 37 recommended buying and 6 maintaining. The average target price is $753.08, with a maximum of $1,000 and a minimum of $580. This average value implies a potential upside of 22.1%.
The debate about the risks of AI will also have an international stage this week, with its treatment at the UN General Assembly. The organization will address the risks associated with this technology and the possibility of setting limits on its development, an alternative to which Donald Trump has opposed.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 closed its best day since August and ended just 0.4% below its previous all-time high. The Nasdaq, on the other hand, achieved its first close at record levels since June 2.
