TLDR
- Dan Ives projects tech stocks to rise 20–25% in 2026, driven by AI monetization across consumer and enterprise sectors.
- Tesla and Nvidia lead in physical AI, with CES 2026 expected to showcase advancements in robotics and autonomous technologies.
- Only 3% of U.S. companies have adopted AI, but broader enterprise integration is expected throughout 2026.
- Big tech to spend $600 billion in capex, with Meta, Nvidia, and Microsoft planning further AI-related acquisitions and expansion.
- China’s AI sector is expanding, with BYD and Huawei gaining ground and increased participation expected at CES 2026.
Wedbush Securities released its 2026 AI stock outlook, led by Managing Director Dan Ives, who projected a strong year ahead. Ives stated that 2026 will act as an inflection point as AI monetization expands across consumer, enterprise, and robotics sectors. He forecasted a 20%–25% rise in tech stocks during the year, driven by wider AI adoption.
AI Monetization to Expand Across Sectors in 2026
During an interview with Bloomberg, Dan Ives called 2026 a “proof year” for AI and emphasized that investors are entering the next phase of the cycle. He said, “It’s about second, third, fourth derivatives playing out,” referencing deeper AI integration in physical and enterprise technology. According to Ives, Tesla and Nvidia are the two best-positioned companies in physical AI heading into 2026.
Additionally, he also pointed to robotics, autonomous vehicles, and embedded consumer AI as key product areas expected to develop. CES 2026 will spotlight these trends, with major players including Tesla and Nvidia scheduled to present. Ives confirmed that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will headline the CES stage, with a speech expected to focus on physical AI advancements.
Dan Ives said the presentation will cover “autonomous robotics” and may include early-stage consumer AI applications. Ives also described Tesla’s focus as entering an “autonomous chapter,” where vehicle AI becomes more monetizable. Despite limited Artificial Intelligence adoption in U.S. companies, Ives believes 2026 will push AI into broader enterprise use. He noted that only 3% of companies have implemented AI so far.
Big Tech Leads, Acquisitions Expected to Rise
Ives stated that big tech remains on top and called current developments “an arms race.” He said Meta, Nvidia, and other firms made key acquisitions in late 2025 to strengthen AI infrastructure. Ives expects more acquisitions in 2026 across the enterprise and energy segments. He projected $600 billion in capital expenditures from large tech companies this year. He also said players like AMD, Cisco, and IBM will seek entry into key AI sectors.
Ives added that Microsoft holds an advantage in enterprise AI through its existing customer base. He said, “When companies move to AI, the first phone call goes to Nadella.” Ives predicted $25–30 billion in new monetization for Microsoft from AI-related products in 2026. He believes this revenue is not yet fully reflected in Wall Street forecasts. He also stated Microsoft stock could reach a price starting with a six.
China’s Role Grows as Robotics and Chips Take Focus
Ives acknowledged China’s growing role, especially in robotics, autonomous vehicles, and semiconductor development. He said BYD and Huawei will remain key players in China’s AI movement. BYD’s chip unit filed for an IPO, which drew attention from global investors in late 2025. Ives said the presence of Chinese companies at CES will “double” compared to previous years. He also mentioned that China’s narrowing gap in AI will attract more global capital.
Despite political tensions, Ives said Chinese firms will continue acquiring U.S. chip technology where permitted. He said Nvidia remains four to five years ahead of competitors, even with export restrictions. Ives also confirmed that his firm’s AI-focused ETF includes several Chinese companies. He pointed to Huawei’s hardware progress and BYD’s EV integration as examples. He concluded that U.S. and Chinese companies will continue battling for AI leadership throughout 2026.
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Source: https://blockonomi.com/tech-stocks-poised-to-jump-25-in-2026-as-ai-monetization-grows-says-dan-ives/
