📈 AI, Big Tech Earnings and Energy Transition Drive Market Focus

AI, Big Tech Earnings and Energy Transition Drive Market Focus

Markets continued to centre on AI this week as investors assessed earnings from major tech companies, growing demand for semiconductor equipment, and the infrastructure required to power the next generation of AI. At the same time, China's evolving electricity mix highlighted the accelerating global energy transition. Across the small-cap market, companies advancing AI infrastructure, income-focused investments, and precious metals projects continued generating investor interest.

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8 Minute Read:

Here's how some major markets/indexes performed in the last 5-days:

• Dow Jones: 52,543.56 (0.71%)
• Nasdaq 100: 28,314.52 (-0.34%)
• TSX: 35,395.54 (0.34%)
• BTC: 63,114.38 (-3.41%)
• GOLD: 4,051.41
• SILVER: 57.74

(USD)

As of 07/31/2026 at 11:27 AM PST

Apple Earnings Keep AI Strategy in the Spotlight

Catch Up

Apple remained in focus this week as investors awaited quarterly earnings and looked for further insight into the company's AI strategy, services growth, and product demand. With the stock trading near record highs, expectations remain elevated heading into the results.

What Happened

• Investors closely watched iPhone demand, Services revenue, and AI-related product updates.
• Apple's shares entered earnings near all-time highs after a strong run in 2026.
• Management commentary on AI integration and future product launches remained a key focus for investors.

Why It Matters

As one of the world's largest companies, Apple's results often influence sentiment across the broader technology sector. Investors continue evaluating how the company can leverage AI while maintaining the profitability and ecosystem strength that have supported its long-term growth.

AI Boom Continues to Lift Chip Equipment Demand

Catch Up

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure continues creating demand well beyond chip designers. Semiconductor equipment manufacturers are also benefiting as foundries increase capacity to meet AI-driven demand.

What Happened

• Lam Research issued a stronger revenue outlook supported by continued AI investment.
• Demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment remains robust.
• AI infrastructure spending continues supporting multiple layers of the semiconductor supply chain.

Why It Matters

The AI investment cycle extends well beyond software and chip developers. Companies supplying the tools used to manufacture advanced semiconductors stand to benefit as global demand for AI computing capacity continues to expand.

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China's Electricity Mix Reaches Renewable Milestone

Catch Up

China reached a notable energy milestone during the first half of 2026 as coal accounted for less than half of its electricity generation for the first time. Renewable energy continues playing a growing role in the country's power system.

What Happened

• Coal generated 49.7% of China's electricity during the first half of 2026.
• Renewable energy increased to more than 41% of total electricity generation.
• Rising electricity demand from AI data centres, electric vehicles, and industry continues driving overall power consumption.

Why It Matters

The shift highlights the scale of global investment occurring across renewable energy and grid infrastructure. For investors, growing electricity demand—particularly from AI and electrification—continues supporting long-term opportunities in power generation, energy infrastructure, and critical minerals.

Harvest ETFs (TSX: HHII) continues offering investors exposure to international growth companies through Harvest International Income ETF (HHII). The strategy combines a diversified portfolio of global equities with an active covered call approach designed to generate consistent monthly income while maintaining long-term capital appreciation potential.

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AIB Data Centers Inc. (NYSE American: AIB) is developing AI-ready data centre infrastructure designed to convert secured power into high-performance computing capacity. As demand for AI workloads continues accelerating, the company is focused on expanding energy-backed infrastructure that supports the next generation of artificial intelligence.

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📢  This Week's Selected Company News:

Sitka Gold Accelerates Full Ownership of RC Gold Project

Sitka Gold announced it will accelerate the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Clear Creek Property at its RC Gold Project in Yukon. Consolidating ownership strengthens the company's control over one of Canada's largest emerging gold exploration projects while providing greater flexibility for future exploration and development.

Learn more ➤

📬 That’s a wrap for this week!

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