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Semiconductors Signal AI Bubble Risks, Essaye Warns

Sevens Report highlights divergence between SOX and S&P 500


What happens to the stock market when the AI bubble bursts?

A lack of ROI and diminishing returns in artificial intelligence make its bubble a question of when, not if, according to Sevens Report Research founder Tom Essaye. He pointed to semiconductor stocks as the “canary in the coal mine” for the AI trade.

In a recent client note, Essaye highlighted that the PHLX Semiconductor Index (SOX) remains below its July 2024 highs, even as the S&P 500 gained more than 10% in the same stretch.

“The takeaway here is that if AI remains the primary source of bullish optimism for a continued rally in the broader stock market in the months and quarters ahead, this market is in trouble and at risk of rolling over sooner than later as the SOX should still be leading the market higher like it was in 2024, not lagging considerably over the last 12 months,” he wrote.

Essaye cautioned that if the SOX begins to materially sell off, the S&P 500 will likely follow.

Also, click here to view the full article on Livewiremarkets.com published on August 13th, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.


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Why the Tech Sector Is Like a Modern Day Gold Rush

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What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Why the Tech Sector Is Like a Modern Day Gold Rush
  • Chart: Rising Market-Based Inflation Expectations Bolster Gold Prices

U.S. futures are modestly lower this morning as Chinese economic concerns are offsetting a cool EU inflation print.

A sizeable new wave of Chinese stimulus actions failed to soothe investor worries about the economy overnight, underwhelming investors as China’s Service PMI unexpectedly fell to 52.5 vs. (E) 52.9 in February.

In Europe, financial news flow was better as the EU Composite PMI rose to 49.2 vs. (E) 48.9 while PPI fell a steep -0.9% vs. (E) -0.1% helping to ease some recent worries about a resurgence in price pressures.

Looking into today’s session there are three domestic economic reports to watch: Composite PMI (E: 51.4), Factory Orders (E: -3.0%), and the ISM Services Index (E: 53.0). The ISM print will be the most important as investors will be looking for continued strength in consumer spending but steady or easing price indices to underscore disinflation has not stalled/reversed.

There are no Fed officials scheduled to speak today and with Powell’s testimony looming tomorrow a slow churn in markets or modest continuation lower could play out today as short term traders book profits from the most recent run to record highs.


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