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

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AI Data Layer Stocks - follows broader market developments shaping trading momentum and investor outlook. Some traders focus on short-term price movements, while others adopt long-term perspectives. Both approaches can benefit from real-time data, but their interpretation and application differ significantly. 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 Monitoring commodity prices can provide insight into sector performance. For example, changes in energy costs may impact industrial companies.Predictive tools often serve as guidance rather than instruction. Investors interpret recommendations in the context of their own strategy and risk appetite.Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Investors often test different approaches before settling on a strategy. Continuous learning is part of the process.The increasing availability of commodity data allows equity traders to track potential supply chain effects. Shifts in raw material prices often precede broader market movements.

Key Highlights

AI Data Layer Stocks - follows broader market developments shaping trading momentum and investor outlook. Cross-asset analysis can guide hedging strategies. Understanding inter-market relationships mitigates risk exposure. 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 Combining technical and fundamental analysis allows for a more holistic view. Market patterns and underlying financials both contribute to informed decisions.Some traders use futures data to anticipate movements in related markets. This approach helps them stay ahead of broader trends.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 updates allow for rapid adjustments in trading strategies. Investors can reallocate capital, hedge positions, or take profits quickly when unexpected market movements occur.Market participants often refine their approach over time. Experience teaches them which indicators are most reliable for their style.

Expert Insights

AI Data Layer Stocks - follows broader market developments shaping trading momentum and investor outlook. Real-time data can highlight momentum shifts early. Investors who detect these changes quickly can capitalize on short-term opportunities. 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 Technical analysis can be enhanced by layering multiple indicators together. For example, combining moving averages with momentum oscillators often provides clearer signals than relying on a single tool. This approach can help confirm trends and reduce false signals in volatile markets.Risk-adjusted performance metrics, such as Sharpe and Sortino ratios, are critical for evaluating strategy effectiveness. Professionals prioritize not just absolute returns, but consistency and downside protection in assessing portfolio performance.Wedbush’s Dan Ives: Anthropic’s $965 Billion Valuation Is ‘Tip of the Spear’ for AI Rally, Sees Focus on Data Layer Stocks Incorporating sentiment analysis complements traditional technical indicators. Social media trends, news sentiment, and forum discussions provide additional layers of insight into market psychology. When combined with real-time pricing data, these indicators can highlight emerging trends before they manifest in broader markets.Market participants often refine their approach over time. Experience teaches them which indicators are most reliable for their style.