Investing.com -- Wedbush analysts expect tech stocks to end the year strongly with a “Santa rally,” citing positive catalysts including deregulation under Donald Trump’s second term and stronger AI initiatives.
The investment bank anticipates a 20% or more surge in the technology sector by 2025, driven by the “AI revolution and a $1 trillion+ of incremental AI cap-ex over the next 3 years.”
Wedbush believes that significant AI initiatives will emerge from the Trump administration next year, which could substantially benefit major tech companies such as Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL).
The firm also foresees the Department of Defense (Dod) and other federal agencies playing a pivotal role in bolstering AI development, positively impacting companies like Palantir (NASDAQ:PLTR) and Oracle (NYSE:ORCL).
“While the Inflation Reduction Act would see some major changes/revisions under a Trump Administration which would be a negative for Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and others, the focus on AI will be front and center in our view and benefit Big Tech,” analysts led by Daniel Ives said in a note.
Moreover, the potential departure of Lina Khan from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is seen as another positive development for the tech industry.
Khan's exit, considered likely under a Trump presidency, is expected to catalyze more deal flow and remove a significant barrier that has challenged tech sector deals, including the recent broader investigation into Microsoft.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), in particular, stands to gain from a Trump victory, according to Wedbush. Although the electric vehicle (EV) industry might face challenges with the removal of tax incentives and rebates, Tesla's unmatched scale and scope could provide it with a distinct competitive edge in a non-subsidy EV market.
In addition, higher tariffs on China could hinder Chinese EV manufacturers from entering the US market, further benefiting Tesla.
“Trump could also accelerate some of the FSD and autonomous initiatives for Tesla once he is in the White House,” analysts noted. This fast-tracking is anticipated to be a central focus for investors, and Tesla’s 2026/2027 goals could be accelerated to stay on track with the China timeline.
“We believe a Trump White House helps unlock the $1 trillion of autonomous/AI value to Tesla's stock as autonomous/FSD is likely accelerated starting in 2025 and a tailwind for Cybercab timing,” Wedbush concluded.