AI Bubble Fears Grow as Chip Stocks Diverge From Broader Market

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Sevens Report urges caution as SOX index lags S&P 500 gains

5 big analyst AI moves: Microsoft upgraded on Azure growth, chip stocks PTs raised

Sevens Report Research warned Friday that a growing disconnect between AI chip stocks and the broader equity market could be an early signal of an “AI bubble.”

“Every bubble in modern market history has been based on a narrative,” the firm wrote, calling AI technology the latest potentially bubble-inflating theme.

While Nvidia often draws attention as the face of the AI rally, Sevens cautioned that single-stock enthusiasm—especially driven by a “cult following”—can obscure broader market signals.

“It would be much more prudent to keep tabs on the broader-based semiconductor index, SOX,” the report said. Despite strong gains in the S&P 500 since July 2024, SOX has failed to post a new high, raising red flags.

“If AI remains the primary source of bullish optimism… this market is in trouble and at risk of rolling over sooner than later,” the report concluded, likening the broader market to Wile E. Coyote running off a cliff.

Also, click here to view the full article published in Investing.com on August 3rd, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Worried About an AI Bubble? Watch This Indicator

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Tom Essaye says chip stocks may be the canary in the coal mine

Stocks Are Hitting New Highs and Investors Don’t Believe It

While artificial intelligence remains the dominant market narrative, Sevens Report President Tom Essaye warns that investors should be cautious about hype outpacing reality.

“Every bubble in modern market history has been based on a narrative,” Essaye wrote, comparing today’s AI surge to past booms like the dot-com and housing bubbles. He suggests that the best early warning signs may come from semiconductor stocks—especially the broader Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX).

Nvidia may be hitting record highs, but Essaye cautions that focusing solely on NVDA could be misleading. “That divergence in index performance is meaningful,” he said. If SOX begins to materially sell off, he warns, “the S&P 500 will almost certainly not be far behind.”

Although he stops short of calling the top, Essaye believes equity markets are underpricing the risks. “There is a significant sense of complacency in equity markets right now,” he wrote, urging investors to stay alert in the second half of 2025.

Also, click here to view the full article featured on Barron’s published on August 1st, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

How To Navigate An “AI Bubble” (If One Exists)

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • How To Navigate An “AI Bubble” (If One Exists)

Futures are sharply lower following sweeping tariff announcements by the administration overnight.

The Trump administration made numerous reciprocal tariff announcements and while the vast majority of them were previously reported, the sheer volume of tariffs is weighing on sentiment.

Focus today will be on economic data and specifically the jobs report and ISM Manufacturing PMIs.  Expectations for the jobs report are: 110K Job-Adds, 4.2% UE Rate and 3.7% y/y Wages) while the ISM Manufacturing Index expectation is 49.5.

Given the early, tariff related weakness in stocks, a “Too Cold” jobs report or ISM Manufacturing PMI could accelerate the selling as they would compound worries that high tariffs will hurt future growth.  So, solid numbers from both are needed to push back on this morning’s tariff anxiety.

Finally, on earnings, today is the last meaningful day and some reports we’re watching include: BRK.B ($5.24), XOM ($1.49), CVX ($1.66), D ($0.69), CL ($0.89), KMB ($1.68).