Nvidia Stumbles as AMD Gains; Alphabet Joins Dow

Nvidia ($NVDA) shares are up 4.7% in 2026, marking the chip leader's worst first half since 2022 and sharply trailing gains in competitors including Intel, AMD, and memory giant Micron. A board member trimmed their stake for the third time this year as retail investor patience wears thin. Advanced Micro Devices ($AMD) presents a contrasting picture, with technical analysts identifying a high momentum breakout setup above $551.64 resistance driven by strong earnings acceleration and sales growth. The semiconductor sector showed mixed performance, with software names rallying while Micron and Intel led a chip selloff. CPUs are positioned to play a major role in agentic AI development as the competitive landscape between $NVDA and $AMD evolves.

ServiceNow ($NOW) shares rose on evidence of stronger AI bundle traction, according to BTIG channel checks pointing to improved momentum. Eviden, the Atos Group cybersecurity product brand, announced integration of its Key Management System with Salesforce ($CRM) Hyperforce to secure data and accelerate AI adoption. Through a bring-your-own-sovereign-encryption model, the integration allows organizations to maintain exclusive control over encryption keys within Hyperforce, facilitating secure adoption of Salesforce cloud and AI solutions. Palantir ($PLTR) gained analyst attention with most Wall Street analysts expecting the stock to head higher, while a deal between $PLTR and Nvidia is being evaluated as a potential game changer as two respected technology names join forces to expand AI reach.

Alphabet ($GOOGL) joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average as Verizon exited the index, marking a significant shift in market composition. Communication services and consumer discretionary sectors posted strong gains lifting US equity indexes higher. Microsoft ($MSFT) drew attention after Michael Burry disclosed he bought December 2028 LEAP call options with strikes near $700, well above the $356 to $360 level where the stock was trading. Apple ($AAPL) faced scrutiny over its China memory push, though Loop Capital maintained a bullish stance despite political supply chain risks. Comcast ($CMCSA) surged on plans to split into two public companies, with an analyst describing the media spinoff as long overdue.

Broadcom ($AVGO) shares are up 8% year to date, sharply underperforming the 104% gain in the chip benchmark iShares Semiconductor ETF. The stock is heading for its worst month in seven years as the co-founder's quarterly stake sales topped $720M. Fiverr International ($FVRR) stock has declined 45% in 2026 as earnings estimates fell sharply. AOL is returning to Wall Street following its acquisition by Italian media conglomerate Bending Spoons earlier this year, with the IPO featuring significant debt levels and what analysts describe as a pricey valuation.