Underdog Investors

If you've been wondering why your investments have been looking a bit rosier this year, you can thank artificial intelligence (AI). In a stunning turn of events, AI-themed stocks have fueled nearly half of the gains in the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) in 2024.  Let's break down how this high-tech trend is shaking up the market and what it means for your portfolio. AI Stocks: The Market's Secret Sauce Artificial intelligence isn’t just making our gadgets smarter; it’s also turbocharging the stock market. So far this year, AI-related stocks have driven almost 50% of the MSCI ACWI's 11% return. That’s right – just a handful of tech companies are making a huge impact! The Big Players: Nvidia and Friends Leading the charge is Nvidia (NVDA), which has contributed almost 3% to the index’s year-to-date return. That’s a hefty chunk for a single stock. Other tech giants like Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META), Amazon (AMZN), and Apple (AAPL) are also...

The semiconductor industry is buzzing with excitement as Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) makes big moves to transform itself. Meanwhile, Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) continues to shine with its popular AI chips.  Let's break down why Intel might be a great investment right now and how it compares to Nvidia. Key Points: Intel’s Big Makeover : Intel is changing its game by becoming a top manufacturer of high-end semiconductors in the U.S. With the government's support, Intel is setting itself up for a bright future. Intel’s Low Price : Compared to its peers, Intel’s stock is a bargain. This low price offers a great opportunity for investors who expect Intel’s earnings to bounce back. Government Backing : The CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 is giving Intel lots of funding and tax breaks. This makes Intel's big investments in U.S. manufacturing less risky and more promising. Future Growth : Intel's strategic investments could lead to big sales and income growth. Analyst...

Summary: Decision:  Supreme Court rules 6-3, authored by Chief Justice Roberts. Impact:  Higher legal bar for obstruction charges in Trump and Jan. 6 cases. Prosecution:  Focus on impairing documents or records. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday raised the legal threshold for prosecutors pursuing obstruction charges in the federal election subversion case against former President Donald Trump and defendants involved in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. Narrow Interpretation of Obstruction Statute In a 6-3 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that prosecutors must demonstrate a defendant "impaired the availability or integrity" of documents or records related to an official proceeding. This ruling overthrows a lower court decision allowing a broader interpretation of the obstruction charge against former police officer Joseph Fischer, directing the lower court to reconsider the matter. Key Takeaways: Higher Bar for Prosecution:  Prosecutors must now show tampering with ...