
Monitor NVIDIA (NVDA) earnings tomorrow as the primary catalyst for the semiconductor sector, with a focus on guidance regarding AI inference and ARM-based CPU demand. Investors should consider ServiceNow (NOW), Adobe (ADBE), or Salesforce (CRM) as defensive hedges, as these software names typically gain value when semiconductors experience volatility. For high-growth hardware, look for entry points on Dell (DELL) near $170 and Nebius (NBIS) in the $140–$150 range to avoid current overextended valuations. Long-term bulls in AMD should avoid buying peaks and instead wait for established support levels between $350–$390 following its recent momentum unwind. Exercise extreme caution with Rocket Lab (RKLB) until it consolidates near $1.15–$1.20, and avoid the BOT ETF due to its massive premium over its actual net asset value.
• NVIDIA earnings are scheduled for tomorrow, serving as a major catalyst for the semiconductor sector. • The market is debating whether earnings will mark a "short-term top" or push semiconductors back into a strong rotation. • CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the demand for CPUs in "agentic AI" frameworks, noting that while GPUs are the "brains," CPUs are needed for agents to reason and plan. • NVIDIA recently acquired Grok (an LPU-based architecture firm, not Elon Musk's xAI), which has re-rated the importance of AI inference.
• High Expectations: The bar for earnings is extremely high; while a beat is expected, the market's reaction to the guidance will determine if the "semi-sell-off" (down 20-30% from highs) continues. • Inference Shift: Watch for commentary on the intersection of CPUs and GPUs, as this is driving growth for partners like ARM, Intel, and AMD.
• AMD has experienced a significant "momentum unwind," dropping from recent highs of $472 to the $400 range. • The stock is showing higher volatility than NVIDIA, dropping 4% on days when NVIDIA is only down 0.5%. • Despite the pullback, the stock remains significantly up from its $200 levels earlier in the cycle.
• Volatility Warning: AMD is currently acting as a high-beta momentum play. Investors should be cautious about "top-blasting" (buying at peaks) and instead look for established support levels. • DCA Opportunity: For long-term bulls, the $350-$390 range is being watched as a potential consolidation zone.
• Micron and SK Hynix are at the center of a "capacity shortage" cycle in memory. • In South Korea, retail investors in their 50s and 60s are reportedly surrendering life insurance policies and taking out record margin debt to buy SK Hynix and Samsung. • Analyst Gavin Baker suggests that while historically this is the time to sell memory, the current "capacity cycle" might mirror the mid-90s, suggesting it could still be early.
• Euphoria Risk: The extreme retail leverage in South Korea is a "red flag" for a potential local top. • Cyclicality: Investors must decide if memory has moved from a "boom-bust" cycle to a permanent AI infrastructure staple. A "real dip" for Micron is identified in the $500–$575 range.
• There is a visible "binary rotation" between semiconductors and software. When semis sell off, software names like ServiceNow (NOW), Adobe (ADBE), and Salesforce (CRM) often catch a bid. • ServiceNow saw a strong rebound to $110 but faced rejection as semis recovered intraday. • Palantir (PLTR) announced an on-premise AI operating system partnership with Dell and NVIDIA, targeting highly regulated industries.
• The "SaaS Flip": Software is currently being used as a defensive hedge against semiconductor volatility. • Valuation Catch-22: While these names are "cheaper" than semis, they still trade at high multiples (e.g., NOW at 50x PE) and are sensitive to rising bond yields.
• Dell (DELL): Up 86% year-to-date. While growth is strong, margins are a concern. A "buy" level is suggested closer to $170. • Cerebras: Mentioned as a private-to-public play catching a massive bid (up 8-10% today) due to the focus on AI inference, though some analysts view the $70B valuation as "euphoric." • Nebius (NBIS): A high-beta play that has pulled back from $230 to the $190s. A more attractive entry is suggested at $140–$150.
• Bond Yields: The 10-year Treasury yield hitting 4.7% and the 30-year surpassing 5% are major "red flags" for equity valuations. • Oil Prices: Crude oil remains volatile around $103–$107. Triple-digit oil is seen as a "bite" that could trigger a 10% market correction by July. • Consumer Credit: Credit card delinquencies are at their highest since 2010 (13.1%), signaling cracks in the "real economy" that haven't yet hit the stock market.
• Rocket Lab (RKLB): Experienced a 10% drop. The analyst suggests the $1.39+ levels were "stupid" and looks for consolidation around $1.15–$1.20. • Humanoid Robotics (BOT ETF): Cautioned against due to the high premium over Net Asset Value (NAV). The NAV is roughly $7.50, while the stock trades near $25.

By @amitinvesting
Breaking down stocks, business, tech. Thank you for following along the journey!