Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks - Earnings Expansion Phase

Live News

AI Data Layer Stocks - institutional flows, fund activity, and market positioning analysis. Investors often experiment with different analytical methods before finding the approach that suits them best. What works for one trader may not work for another, highlighting the importance of personalization in strategy design. Anthropic has reportedly achieved a valuation of approximately $965 billion after securing $65 billion in a recent funding round, pushing the AI startup closer to the trillion-dollar mark. In an interview with CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Friday, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said that this milestone is merely “just the tip of the spear” for the AI rally, suggesting that investor demand for AI companies is still in its early stages. Ives noted that “for the first time in 30 years, the U.S. is ahead of China” on technology, a shift he sees as a key driver for future investments. He urged investors to broaden their focus beyond frontier AI models and turn attention to “data layer” companies, specifically naming Snowflake, Datadog, and InnoData as firms that could benefit from AI infrastructure spending. He pointed to recent performances from Snowflake and Dell as evidence of where corporate spending is accelerating, saying, “Our view is the second, third, fourth derivative, just like we saw this week with Snowflake and Dell, is showing where the spending is.” Ives’ comments are part of a broader market outlook he has shared in previous CNBC interviews, predicting the Nasdaq Composite will top 30,000 points by 2027. He also described the upcoming period as “historic” for Wall Street, citing a pipeline of mega-IPOs expected in 2026. Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Understanding macroeconomic cycles enhances strategic investment decisions. Expansionary periods favor growth sectors, whereas contraction phases often reward defensive allocations. Professional investors align tactical moves with these cycles to optimize returns.From a macroeconomic perspective, monitoring both domestic and global market indicators is crucial. Understanding the interrelation between equities, commodities, and currencies allows investors to anticipate potential volatility and make informed allocation decisions. A diversified approach often mitigates risks while maintaining exposure to high-growth opportunities.Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Real-time data can reveal early signals in volatile markets. Quick action may yield better outcomes, particularly for short-term positions.Real-time updates reduce reaction times and help capitalize on short-term volatility. Traders can execute orders faster and more efficiently.

Key Highlights

AI Data Layer Stocks - institutional flows, fund activity, and market positioning analysis. Scenario analysis and stress testing are essential for long-term portfolio resilience. Modeling potential outcomes under extreme market conditions allows professionals to prepare strategies that protect capital while exploiting emerging opportunities. A key takeaway from Ives’ analysis is that the AI investment cycle may be deepening beyond the initial wave of large language model builders. While Anthropic’s sky-high valuation captures headlines, Ives suggests that the real growth potential lies in the infrastructure layer—companies that provide the data storage, processing, and analytics capabilities needed to support AI applications. This perspective could have significant market implications. If corporate spending on AI continues to expand, firms like Snowflake (data cloud), Datadog (monitoring and analytics), and InnoData (data infrastructure) may see increased demand for their services. Ives’ mention of Dell also highlights the role of hardware and enterprise solutions in this ecosystem. However, investors should note that many of these stocks have already experienced substantial gains, and valuations may reflect elevated expectations. The broader context includes Ives’ bullish call on the Nasdaq reaching 30,000 points by 2027—a roughly 80% increase from current levels based on market data. Such an outlook implies sustained growth in technology stocks, though it remains a forecast subject to macroeconomic conditions, geopolitical factors, and execution risks. Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Observing how global markets interact can provide valuable insights into local trends. Movements in one region often influence sentiment and liquidity in others.Predictive modeling for high-volatility assets requires meticulous calibration. Professionals incorporate historical volatility, momentum indicators, and macroeconomic factors to create scenarios that inform risk-adjusted strategies and protect portfolios during turbulent periods.Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Observing market cycles helps in timing investments more effectively. Recognizing phases of accumulation, expansion, and correction allows traders to position themselves strategically for both gains and risk management.Many investors underestimate the importance of monitoring multiple timeframes simultaneously. Short-term price movements can often conflict with longer-term trends, and understanding the interplay between them is critical for making informed decisions. Combining real-time updates with historical analysis allows traders to identify potential turning points before they become obvious to the broader market.

Expert Insights

AI Data Layer Stocks - institutional flows, fund activity, and market positioning analysis. Diversifying the type of data analyzed can reduce exposure to blind spots. For instance, tracking both futures and energy markets alongside equities can provide a more complete picture of potential market catalysts. From an investment perspective, the AI landscape may continue to present opportunities, but diversification and caution are warranted. Ives’ recommendation to look at data layer companies suggests that the AI theme could broaden beyond a handful of high-profile names. However, no single forecast or analyst opinion should be taken as a guarantee of future performance. The potential for mega-IPOs in 2026 could further reshape the technology sector, possibly introducing new competitors and investment avenues. Yet the timing and valuations of such IPOs remain uncertain. Meanwhile, the rivalry between the US and China in AI adds a geopolitical dimension that could influence market dynamics—Ives’ assertion of US leadership, while optimistic, may evolve as both nations continue to invest heavily. Investors considering exposure to AI-related stocks might weigh the risks of high valuations against the possible long-term growth trajectory. The cautious approach would be to monitor earnings and spending trends among data infrastructure companies, as well as broader tech sector performance. As always, individual financial goals and risk tolerance should guide decisions. Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Combining technical and fundamental analysis provides a balanced perspective. Both short-term and long-term factors are considered.Scenario planning is a key component of professional investment strategies. By modeling potential market outcomes under varying economic conditions, investors can prepare contingency plans that safeguard capital and optimize risk-adjusted returns. This approach reduces exposure to unforeseen market shocks.Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Structured analytical approaches improve consistency. By combining historical trends, real-time updates, and predictive models, investors gain a comprehensive perspective.Monitoring market liquidity is critical for understanding price stability and transaction costs. Thinly traded assets can exhibit exaggerated volatility, making timing and order placement particularly important. Professional investors assess liquidity alongside volume trends to optimize execution strategies.