AI expectations reach new heights

What happened: The AI boom has propelled semiconductors to become one of the market's top-performing sectors. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is expected to continue its upward trajectory due to ongoing AI earnings growth, with valuations still reasonable. Meanwhile, at the HumanX AI conference, OpenAI's dominance in the AI conversation has been challenged by Anthropic, a company focusing on AI safety and alignment.

Market impact: The AI-driven semiconductor sector is poised for further growth, benefiting ETFs like SMH. This narrative is fueled by millennials' and Gen Z's bullishness towards AI stocks, with 73% of millennials expecting a positive impact on the market over the next decade. The shift in AI conversation leadership from OpenAI to Anthropic signals a growing focus on AI safety and responsible development.

What to watch next: On August 15, SMH will report its quarterly earnings, providing insight into the semiconductor sector's health. On August 22, Anthropic is set to announce new developments at the NeurIPS conference, potentially shaping the AI safety landscape. Additionally, keep an eye on AI-related economic data releases, such as job growth in tech sectors, to gauge the broader impact of AI on the economy.