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Sevens Report: Tech Valuations Look Stretched Despite AI-Driven Leadership

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Massive demand for semiconductors and AI infrastructure fuels gains, but valuations raise sustainability concerns.

Tech Valuations Stretch as AI Boom Meets Investor Caution

According to the latest Sevens Report, “massive demand for semiconductors and AI infrastructure combined with the promise of AI driven leaps in profitability” have made technology the undisputed leader of the S&P 500’s advance.

But valuations now appear difficult to justify. Sevens highlighted Palantir as “the most obvious example,” calling it “a stock that is the best performer in the S&P 500 YTD but also trades at a quasi-absurd 212X forward earnings!” Even broad-based exchange-traded funds such as XLK are trading at “above 29X earnings, a level that hasn’t proven historically sustainable.”

Recent declines in AI-related names, driven by disappointing reactions to earnings at CoreWeave, Applied Materials and Cisco, provided a small relief to valuations. But Sevens warned that “the ‘bar’ to impress investors in the AI names is high.”

With rate cuts expected next month, investors are also rotating into more cyclical sectors such as utilities, industrials and financials. Still, finding value in technology remains a challenge for new money. “The reality is that finding value in the tech space is a challenge, especially for new money that needs to be allocated but doesn’t want to chase sky-high valuations,” Sevens said.

The report suggested that investors can still participate in the AI-driven rally while managing risk by using alternative ETF strategies. These include equal-weight and smart beta approaches, as well as income-focused ETFs that “boost yield, and in doing so lower the aggregate valuation of the ETF.”

“Alternative tech strategies that can complement core tech holdings can lower overall tech valuations in a client portfolio, yet still provide exposure to the key names in the space,” concluded Sevens.

Also, click here to view the full article published in Investing.com on August 21st, 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.

Tom Essaye Quoted In Barron’s – Two Threats Could Derail Market Rally

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Sevens Report president says stagflation or fading AI enthusiasm are key risks

2 Factors That Could Trigger a Stock Market Selloff

Despite recent economic surprises and geopolitical noise, none of it has slowed the market rally, according to Tom Essaye, president of Sevens Report Research.

“For the simple reason that they weren’t enough to make investors think that 1) tariffs may cause stagflation or 2) meaningfully reduce AI enthusiasm,” Essaye wrote.

He stressed that while conflicting inflation data, questions about data validity, and global tensions add uncertainty, investors should focus on whether developments increase stagflation risk or curb AI optimism.

“As long as the answer to both is ‘no,’ then while stocks may see some volatility, the trend in this market should remain higher,” Essaye concluded.

Also, click here to view the full article featured on Barron’s published on August 18th, 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.

Tom Essaye: Fading AI Enthusiasm Could Threaten Market Rally Despite Strong Economy

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Sevens Report warns that slowing momentum in AI stocks may weigh on equities even if growth remains resilient

10 AI Stocks Making Headlines This Week

Sevens Report founder Tom Essaye cautioned that a cooling wave of enthusiasm for AI stocks could spell trouble for the broader market. The note highlighted steep drops in C3.ai and CoreWeave following soft guidance and disappointing results.

“Those moves put a question in my head… What happens to this market if AI loses momentum?” Essaye wrote. While investors remain focused on tariffs, economic data, and Fed policy, the report warned that equities could falter even in a stable macro environment if AI names fail to deliver.

Five stocks — Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, Broadcom, and Palantir — have powered 56% of the S&P 500’s 10.8% year-to-date gain, according to Sevens. Essaye stressed that execution will be critical as the AI trade matures. “If AI enthusiasm begins to fade, this market will face a headwind regardless of whether the economy is stable,” the report said.

Also, click here to view the full article on Insidermonkey.com published on August 16th, 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.

What Happens If AI Loses Momentum?

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • What Happens if AI Loses Momentum?
  • Oil Update and Weekly EIA Takeaways

Futures are little changed following a quiet night of news and as CSCO earnings largely met expectations.

Economically, data was mixed in Europe as UK GDP (0.4% vs. (E) 0.2%) and Industrial Production (0.7% vs. (E) 0.5%) beat estimates while EU GDP met estimates (0.1%) but Industrial Production missed (badly) (-1.3% vs. (E) -0.5%).

Today focus will turn back to economic data and there are two notable reports today: Jobless Claims (E: 230K) and PPI (E: 0.2% m/m, 2.6% y/y).  Of the two, PPI is more important and if it confirms the mostly tame CPI reading from Tuesday, it will further solidify rate cut expectations and support stocks.  There is also one Fed speaker today, Barkin (2:00 p.m. ET), and given recent conflicting commentary from voting members on the FOMC, the tone of each speaker will become more important.

Finally, mid-season earnings continue and some notable reports today include: JD ($0.44), AMAT ($2.34), NTES ($1.85), DE ($4.62), AAP ($0.59), NU ($0.13).

 

Sevens Report’s Tom Essaye Flags Bubble Risk in AI-Driven Rally

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Semiconductor weakness signals possible cracks in AI trade

AI-Driven Market Rally Raises Bubble Concerns: Strategist Warns of Potential Warning Signs

Tom Essaye of the Sevens Report warns that the AI-fueled stock market rally may be unsustainable, as semiconductor stocks lag the broader market.

While the S&P 500 is up nearly 14% since July 2024, the PHLX Semiconductor Index has barely broken even, raising questions about the rally’s foundation. Essaye also notes slowing U.S. job growth and rising jobless claims, cautioning that bubbles often burst in late economic cycles — with a recession posing a major risk to AI-driven gains.

Also, click here to view the full article published in AInvest.com on August 9th, 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.

Tom Essaye warns the AI-stock index is flashing bubble risk

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The AI trade could be inflating a late-cycle stock market bubble, warns Tom Essaye, founder of Sevens Report Research.

‘This bull market in equities has a serious problem’: Strategist warns a crucial AI-stock index is sending a potential bubble signal

In an August 1 client note, Essaye wrote that “every bubble in modern market history has been based on a narrative”—and today, that narrative is AI. But to measure the health of the AI trade, he points to the PHLX Semiconductor Index (SOX), not just Nvidia.

Semiconductors are the “lifeblood” of AI, yet SOX remains below its July 2024 highs while the S&P 500 has climbed nearly 14% in the same period. That lagging performance, Essaye says, is a meaningful divergence:

“If AI remains the primary source of bullish optimism… this market is in trouble and at risk of rolling over sooner than later.”

He cautions that if SOX begins a material selloff, the S&P 500 likely won’t be far behind.

Adding to the risk: weaker recent payrolls, rising continuing jobless claims, and stretched valuations after an ~85% rally from the October 2022 lows.

“It is critical to keep close tabs on economic data right now,” Essaye stressed in an August 8 note, warning the broader market remains vulnerable to considerable downside if economic resilience falters.

Also, click here to view the full article published in Business Insider on August 9th, 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.

AI Bubble Watch: Part 2

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • AI Bubble Watch: Part 2

Futures are slightly higher following more mixed trade news.

Japanese stocks rallied after an announcement that the U.S. would “fix” an issue of tariff stacking that would result in some tariff reduction.

On gold, the U.S. may apply tariffs to Swiss gold imports, possibly disrupting to global physical gold trade.

Economically, there were no notable reports overnight.

There are no notable economic reports today but there are two Fed speakers, Musalem (10:20 a.m. ET) and Bowman, and if they join the growing “dovish” camp and hint at a September rate cut, that should help support markets.

 

Sevens Report warns of early signs of an AI-driven market bubble

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Sevens Report warns of early signs of an AI-driven market bubble

10 AI Stocks Analysts Are Watching Closely

The latest Sevens Report highlights growing concerns that AI-related stocks—especially chipmakers—may be flashing early warning signs of a bubble.

“Every bubble in modern market history has been based on a narrative,” the report states. “That potentially bubble-inflating theme is unquestionably AI technology.”

Much of the enthusiasm has centered around Nvidia (NVDA), but Sevens warns that relying on a single name can be dangerous. “There are a lot of various factors that can impact a single stock, including a ‘cult following’… a dynamic that has appeared to have emerged with NVDA as well.”

Instead, they recommend watching the broader Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX), which includes multiple AI players like AMD, Qualcomm, and others. “It would be much more prudent to keep tabs on the broader-based semiconductor index, SOX,” they wrote.

The SOX hasn’t hit a new high since July 2024, even as the S&P 500 has climbed roughly 13% in that time. Sevens warns that if AI remains the sole driver of optimism, “this market is in trouble and at risk of rolling over sooner than later.”

Also, click here to view the full article published in Insidermonkey.com on August 4th, 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.

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.

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).