WMT, FDX New Highs! Time to Add Defensive Stocks?

As tech stocks sell off, capital is rotating into defensive, asset-heavy AI beneficiaries. Caterpillar leads the Dow YTD at +23%, emerging as a standout AI-era winner as data-center buildouts turbocharge its power and energy division—the company’s largest and fastest-growing segment. Meanwhile, FedEx hit new highs after launching AI tools to optimize tracking, returns, and inventory visibility for e-commerce sellers.

This shift from "pure tech" to defensive, asset-heavy, real-world AI beneficiaries is a critical development signaling a mature phase of the AI investment cycle. It's not just a defensive hedge; it's a strategic pivot. The Thesis: Why This Rotation is Happening Now Valuation Escape: Money is fleeing over-extended software/hardware valuations (where AI optimism is priced to perfection) and seeking tangible assets and cash flows in companies whose AI upside is still being recognized. The "Picks and Shovels 2.0" Narrative: The first wave was buying NVIDIA and AMD (the AI toolmakers). The second wave is buying the companies that build, power, and connect the physical infrastructure for AI. This is a deeper, more industrial layer of the value chain. Defensive Growth: In a "higher-for-longer" ra
avatarTBI
02-02

[12] WMT, TRV, CSCO

The information and materials provided here, whether or not provided on TBI’s Substack (TBI), on third party websites, in marketing materials, newsletters or any form of publication are provided for general information and circulation only. None of the information contained here constitutes an offer (or solicitation of an offer) to buy or sell any currency, product or financial instrument, to make any investment, or to participate in any particular trading strategy. TBI does not take into account of your personal investment objectives, specific investment goals, specific needs or financial situation and makes no representation and assumes no liability to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here. The information and publications are not intended to be and do not constit
[12] WMT, TRV, CSCO
avatarxc__
01-13

🚀 Walmart's Epic Surge: Nasdaq Glory and AI Magic Ignite Billion-Dollar Inflows! 🚀

$Wal-Mart(WMT)$ $NASDAQ(.IXIC)$ 🌟 Buckle up, folks—Walmart is rewriting the retail playbook like never before! Shares skyrocketed 3% to a jaw-dropping record high of $117.97, fueled by two game-changing moves that scream "future-proof powerhouse." First off, the retail titan is officially crashing the Nasdaq-100 party on January 20, swapping spots with AstraZeneca. Analysts are buzzing—this could unleash a whopping $19 billion in passive inflows from index-tracking funds, supercharging demand and propelling the stock even higher. 😎 Imagine ETFs like QQQ scrambling to scoop up WMT shares; it's mechanical buying at its finest, turning Walmart into a must-own beast for portfolios craving stability and growth
🚀 Walmart's Epic Surge: Nasdaq Glory and AI Magic Ignite Billion-Dollar Inflows! 🚀

WMT is included in QQQ, what do you think of the follow-up of the skyrocketing?

Yesterday, the largest U.S. retailer$Walmart (WMT) $The gap opened more than 2% higher to a record high of $117.6. According to the news, Walmart will replace AstraZeneca as a constituent stock of the Nasdaq 100 Index, replacing AstraZeneca's position in the Nasdaq 100 Index. The adjustment will take effect on January 20, 2026.Strategic trends: Cooperate with Google to launch AI shopping assistant Sparky to promote the transformation of "conversational e-commerce"; Expand cooperation with Google subsidiary Wing to cover emergency merchandise delivery across the United States.Market sentiment and institutional views: Among the 43 institutions, 14 "strongly recommend" and 29 "buy", with an average target price of $121.71 (a 3.2% premium to the current p
WMT is included in QQQ, what do you think of the follow-up of the skyrocketing?
AI partnerships can impact a retailer's growth and margins in several ways: Enhanced Shopping Experience and Personalization: AI, like Google's Gemini, can provide personalized recommendations based on past purchases and browsing behavior, leading to increased customer engagement and sales. This can also enable faster and more intuitive product discovery. Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction: AI tools can automate various retail tasks across merchandising, marketing, store operations, and fulfillment, improving efficiency and reducing costs. Retailers are already budgeting for AI, with 80% planning to increase spending in the next 12 months, driven by operational efficiency, labor cost reduction, and customer experience. Improved Delivery and Fulfillment: Partnerships can leverage AI