The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights C3.ai, Microsoft, iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF and SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – October 25, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and ETFs featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks and ETFs recently featured in the blog include: C3.ai AI, Microsoft MSFT, iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF IGV and SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF XSW.Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:Bet Big on AI Software Stocks and ETFs for Long-Term OpportunitiesThe growth potential of software companies is immense, and could be the next big opportunity in the artificial intelligence (AI) segment. The AI software market is expected to grow significantly, with the International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 40.6% from 2023 to 2028. Here are some key reasons why AI software companies have a high growth potential:Increasing AI Adoption Across IndustriesAI is being adopted across various sectors such as healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and more. Industries are deploying AI for automation, decision-making, predictive analytics, and personalized customer experiences. This fast adoption opens up vast opportunities for AI software companies to develop customized solutions. AI applications like machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision are becoming increasingly valuable.Cloud Computing and AI IntegrationThe growth of cloud computing has provided AI software companies with scalable infrastructure, enabling them to offer AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS). Major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud have integrated AI tools, helping companies scale faster by reducing hardware and infrastructure costs.Ever-Remaining Demand of AI SoftwareUnlike AI hardware, which is a one-time sale, meaning demand would wane at some point of time, AI software is sold on a subscription basis. This indicates the demand for AI software will stay always (read: What Lies Ahead for Semiconductor ETFs: Boom or Gloom?).Innovation in AI TechnologiesBreakthroughs in AI technologies, such as generative AI, reinforcement learning, and neuromorphic computing, are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. AI software companies focusing on these cutting-edge technologies have the potential to lead in innovation, attracting investments and market share.Cathie Wood Bets Big on AI Software StocksCathie Wood, CEO of Ark Investment Management, has invested money into leading AI software start-ups like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI through the Ark Venture Fund. Plus, Ark's ETFs hold several publicly traded AI software stocks (read: Cathie Wood Bets Big on Amazon Stock: Should You Buy ETFs?).AI Software Stocks in FocusC3.aiC3.ai Inc. is an enterprise AI software provider for accelerating digital transformation. Demand for C3.ai's software is rising fast. During the recent fiscal 2025 first quarter (ended July 31), the company closed 51 agreements through its partner network, which includes Alphabet's Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, and Microsoft Azure. That marked a huge 151% increase from the year-ago period.MicrosoftThis member of “Magnificent 7” is one of the largest broad-based technology providers in the world. The company dominates the PC software market with more than 73% of the market share for desktop operating systems. The company is investing huge in AI initiatives. The company is expected to report earnings on Oct. 30, 2024 (read: Can Q3 Earnings Fuel a New Rally in "Mag 7" ETFs?).Stay up-to-date with all quarterly releases: See Zacks Earnings Calendar.AI Software ETFs in FocusiShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETFThe underlying S&P North American Expanded Technology Software Index comprises North American equities in the software industry and select North American equities from interactive home entertainment and interactive media and services industries. The fund charges 41 bps in fees.SPDR S&P Software & Services ETFThe underlying S&P Software & Services Select Industry Index represents the software sub-industry portion of the S&P Total Stock Market Index. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE, AMEX, NASDAQ National Market and NASDAQ Global Select Market. The Software Index is a modified equal weight index. The fund charges 35 bps in fees.Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?Zacks’ free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week.Get it free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.comhttps://www.zacks.comPast performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 DaysJust released: Experts distill 7 elite stocks from the current list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 Strong Buys. They deem these tickers "Most Likely for Early Price Pops."Since 1988, the full list has beaten the market more than 2X over with an average gain of +23.7% per year. So be sure to give these hand picked 7 your immediate attention. See them now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report C3.ai, Inc. (AI): Free Stock Analysis Report SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW): ETF Research Reports iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV): ETF Research ReportsTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks