Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 16
UBS Lists 40 Buy-Rated Stocks as AI Trade Slides Up to 20%
Updated
Updated · CNBC · Jul 16

UBS Lists 40 Buy-Rated Stocks as AI Trade Slides Up to 20%

1 articles · Updated · CNBC · Jul 16

Summary

  • UBS this week highlighted 40 buy-rated stocks as alternatives to crowded AI trades, arguing many defensive, high-quality names have been unfairly de-rated despite resilient fundamentals.
  • AI-linked assets have weakened sharply over the past month: the Global X data-center ETF is down more than 10%, the PHLX Semiconductor index about 12%, and the Roundhill memory ETF nearly 20%.
  • The list leans toward traditional downturn shelters, including McDonald's, PepsiCo, Charles Schwab and S&P Global, while also adding software names such as Thomson Reuters and SS&C Technologies.
  • Investors are also extending that defensive shift beyond equities, with Westwood Capital's Dan Alpert saying cheap downside protection and 2-year Treasuries look attractive if rates stay flat or are cut.

Insights

With AI stocks cooling, are 'picks and shovels' like data centers the safest way to invest in the tech revolution?
Is the AI industry's trillion-dollar spending spree on borrowed money creating a bubble that is destined to pop?