AI Is Powering the U.S. Stock Market in 2025

Table of Contents

• AI is Driving the U.S. Stock Market in 2025
• Why AI-Focused ETFs Are Gaining Traction
• QQQ – Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF
• AIQ – Global X AI & Technology ETF
• SOXX – iShares Semiconductor ETF
• Key Insights
• Conclusion

AI is Driving the U.S. Stock Market in 2025

The U.S. stock market continues to climb in 2025, largely fueled by the rapid growth and integration of artificial intelligence technologies. What started as a semiconductor-led rally in 2023 has evolved into a broader tech resurgence, with AI impacting enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, and digital services.

Standout earnings from Nvidia and its record-breaking valuation have reignited investor enthusiasm for semiconductors. Meanwhile, companies like Salesforce, Autodesk, and Duolingo are showing that AI is translating into real revenue growth—not just market buzz. BlackRock notes that the next wave of AI investing could shift from hardware to software.

Related News:
- Nvidia Stock Soars After Blowout Earnings
- AI Software’s Next Big Boom Is Already Underway
- Duolingo, Salesforce Show Real Revenue Gains from AI

With the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hitting new highs, more investors are asking: how can I get exposure to this trend without relying on a single stock?

Why AI-Focused ETFs Are Gaining Traction

ETFs offer an easy and diversified way to invest in the AI trend. Instead of picking individual winners, investors can gain exposure to entire segments of the AI ecosystem—from software to hardware—with a single investment.

ETF	Name	Focus	YTD Return (2025)	Avg Daily Volume
QQQ	Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF	Large-cap tech with AI exposure	~24.1%	~50M
AIQ	Global X AI & Technology ETF	Pure-play AI and analytics	~21.3%	~1.2M
SOXX	iShares Semiconductor ETF	AI chip & hardware infrastructure	~28.5%	~2.3M

QQQ – Invesco Nasdaq-100 ETF

QQQ tracks 100 of the largest non-financial companies on the Nasdaq. While not dedicated to AI, it offers significant exposure to leaders like Microsoft, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Amazon—all of which are deeply investing in AI.

Recent Trend: QQQ has consistently hit new highs in 2025, as strong earnings from tech giants continue to support its upward momentum. It provides broad exposure to innovation, making it a solid core holding for tech-focused investors.

AIQ – Global X AI & Technology ETF

AIQ is one of the few ETFs built specifically to capture the AI revolution. It includes companies working on machine learning, automation, NLP, and data analytics platforms.

Recent Trend: AIQ rose sharply in Q2 2025, boosted by growing interest in enterprise AI solutions and a wave of acquisitions in the space. Investors looking for direct exposure to AI development may find this ETF appealing.

SOXX – iShares Semiconductor ETF

SOXX focuses on semiconductor giants like Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom—the companies building the chips that make AI possible. As demand for AI infrastructure increases, these hardware players are benefiting from strong tailwinds.

Recent Trend: SOXX has rebounded in 2025 after a slower 2024. Rising demand for AI GPUs and improved outlooks from key holdings have helped the fund outperform.

Key Insights

• AI is no longer just a buzzword—it’s transforming the U.S. economy from the ground up.
• ETFs like QQQ, AIQ, and SOXX allow investors to access this growth across different layers of the AI ecosystem.
• Each fund plays a different role:
  • QQQ: broad tech exposure with strong AI presence
  • AIQ: companies directly building AI platforms
  • SOXX: the infrastructure behind AI

Conclusion

As artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across industries, it’s becoming a strategic pillar of both business growth and market performance. For investors seeking to tap into this momentum without overexposing to single stocks, a diversified ETF approach offers a practical entry point.

Whether you're focusing on software, hardware, or general tech exposure, these ETFs provide a structured way to align your portfolio with the next wave of innovation.