Stocks

Continued Uptrend: Tech Stocks Expected to Soar as Managers Bet on 2024's Soft Landing

Published November 15, 2023

The surge in technology stocks, a standout trend in recent months, shows no signs of abating as the calendar pages turn towards 2024. Anticipating a 'soft landing'—an environment where the economy slows down just enough to curb inflation without triggering a recession—global fund managers are strategically increasing their exposure to behemoths of the tech sector. Leading the pack in these portfolio adjustments are the large-cap U.S. and Japanese technology titans, with significant emphasis on MSFT, GOOG, AAPL, and INTC, as fund managers envision sustained growth ahead.

An Expanding Tech Horizon

Underlying this bullish stance is the robust performance and solid fundamentals exhibited by these major players. MSFT, widely recognized for its pervasive software offerings like the Microsoft Windows operating systems and the Office suite, as well as its successful forays into hardware with products like Xbox and the Surface PCs, has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate and expand its revenue streams. Being the world's largest software maker by revenue as of 2016, Microsoft's position in portfolios looks more like a staple holding than a speculative play.

Alphabet's Impressive Trajectory

Similarly, GOOG—under its parent company Alphabet Inc.—continues to harness its wide-ranging reach across various technology verticals. Alphabet, which spawned from a strategic restructuring of Google, isn't just a search engine behemoth. It encompasses an array of subsidiaries that are making significant inroads in areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and healthcare technology. As the fourth-largest technology company by revenue globally, Alphabet's clout in investment portfolios is both formidable and warranted.

Apple's Dominant Market Presence

AAPL stands tall as a testament to innovation and consumer engagement. Apple Inc. not only leads as the world's largest technology company by revenue but is also revered as the most valuable company globally. Its suite of consumer electronics, software, and online services, which includes the iPhone and Mac computers, continues to enjoy a loyal customer base and impressive sales figures, fortifying its position as a must-own stock for many investors.

Intel's Chip Leadership

Rounding out the tech-stock favorites is INTC, the Intel Corporation, whose semiconductor chips are foundational to the personal computing industry. As the leading chip manufacturer by revenue and the brain behind the pervasive x86 series of microprocessors, Intel's role in the tech ecosystem is crucial. Despite challenges in the semiconductor space, Intel's long-term growth potential keeps it on the radar of many global fund managers.

The Currency Effect: FOREX:USD

As investors globally position their portfolios for sustained growth in tech stocks, currency considerations also play a part. With transactions often denominated in U.S. dollars, shifts in the FOREX:USD exchange rate hold the potential to significantly impact returns. Hence, movements in the currency markets remain a vital component of the investment decision-making process.

technology, investment, market