At Spike Invest, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to invest wisely and grow their wealth, regardless of experience. We simplify the world of investing by focusing on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Index Funds—two of the most powerful tools for building a long-term, balanced portfolio.
By supporting industries aligned with your passions, values, and
vision, you contribute to positive change
while potentially reaping the rewards of growth in areas you're
truly passionate about.
Sharia-compliant ETFs are designed to meet the ethical and financial principles of Islamic law (Sharia), making them suitable for Muslim investors. These ETFs follow specific guidelines, such as avoiding investments in businesses related to alcohol, gambling, pork, and interest-based financial services. Instead, they focus on sectors and companies that align with Islamic principles.
When you’re just starting out as an investor, the world of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds can feel overwhelming. For many new investors, the idea of picking individual stocks or constantly monitoring the market seems daunting. This is where Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) come in—a simple, effective way to invest in a wide range of assets without the complexity.
When people think of making money in the stock market, they often imagine two things: quick, high returns and big risks. This thinking confuses two very different approaches to building wealth: investing and speculation. While both can be profitable, they carry distinct risks, goals, and strategies. Understanding these differences is key to making smart financial decisions, especially for people looking to grow their money steadily and securely over time.
The Surge in the AI Sector: Why NVIDIA is Leading the Charge In recent years, the technology sector has witnessed tremendous growth, with one particular area standing out as a game-changer: Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI, once a futuristic concept, is now a driving force behind innovations across industries. From self-driving cars and healthcare diagnostics to smart home devices and financial algorithms, AI is transforming how we live and work. The recent surge in AI development has sparked excitement among investors, and one company has emerged as a leader in this space: NVIDIA. In this article, we’ll explore why the AI sector is booming, NVIDIA’s critical role in this growth, and what it means for investors and the future of technology. Why AI is Experiencing a Boom AI’s rapid rise can be attributed to several factors converging at the right time: 1. Increased Computing Power: AI requires vast computational resources to process data, run algorithms, and learn from patterns. Advances in hardware, especially GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), have made it possible to handle the immense processing needs of AI systems. As these technologies evolve, they allow AI models to become more sophisticated and effective. 2. Big Data Availability: AI systems thrive on data. With the explosion of data from smartphones, social media, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), there’s more information than ever for AI algorithms to analyze and learn from. This data drives improvements in everything from recommendation engines to predictive analytics. 3. Enterprise and Consumer Demand: Companies across all sectors are seeking ways to leverage AI to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and innovate in their products. AI’s ability to automate processes, make sense of large datasets, and provide insights is creating demand in industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and beyond. 4. Breakthroughs in Machine Learning: Advances in machine learning (ML) and deep learning—subfields of AI—are allowing machines to perform tasks that once seemed impossible, like understanding human speech, recognizing images, and even generating creative content. These breakthroughs are pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve. Why NVIDIA is Leading the AI Revolution As AI grows, NVIDIA has positioned itself as a dominant force in this rapidly expanding sector. Originally known for its role in the gaming industry, NVIDIA’s Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) have become the backbone of AI computing. But why has NVIDIA emerged as such a key player? 1. GPUs are Essential for AI: While traditional processors (CPUs) handle general computing tasks, GPUs are designed for parallel processing—meaning they can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This capability is critical for AI and machine learning, where vast amounts of data need to be processed at once. NVIDIA’s GPUs are considered the gold standard in AI research and development, powering everything from self-driving cars to natural language processing models. 2. NVIDIA’s CUDA Platform: Beyond hardware, NVIDIA’s CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) platform has become a vital tool for developers and researchers working on AI and machine learning. CUDA enables software to leverage the full power of NVIDIA’s GPUs, making it easier for developers to build and scale AI applications. This integration of hardware and software has helped NVIDIA carve out a unique and dominant position in the AI ecosystem. 3. Data Center Expansion: While NVIDIA started in the gaming space, the company has rapidly expanded into data centers, which are critical for AI processing. NVIDIA’s A100 and H100 GPUs are now widely used in data centers around the world, powering AI applications for major tech companies and research institutions. These high-performance GPUs are designed to handle AI workloads with efficiency, making NVIDIA the go-to provider for AI infrastructure. 4. Partnerships and Acquisitions: NVIDIA has strategically invested in AI-related partnerships and acquisitions. Its acquisition of Mellanox Technologies (for data center connectivity) and Arm Holdings (for chip design) has expanded its influence in the AI hardware space. By creating an ecosystem that supports AI development from chip design to cloud infrastructure, NVIDIA has secured its place as a key player in the AI surge. What’s Driving NVIDIA’s Recent Surge? NVIDIA’s recent stock surge is directly tied to the explosion of interest in AI. Several key developments have contributed to this rise: - AI Adoption Across Industries: NVIDIA’s GPUs are essential for AI, and as companies in healthcare, finance, automotive, and other sectors integrate AI into their operations, NVIDIA’s hardware is in high demand. The company’s products power the AI systems used in self-driving cars, predictive analytics, and personalized recommendation engines, to name a few. - The AI Arms Race: With AI becoming a competitive advantage, businesses are investing heavily in AI infrastructure to stay ahead. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are pouring billions into AI research and development, and they rely on NVIDIA’s GPUs to build their AI systems. This “AI arms race” is fueling growth in the demand for NVIDIA’s products. - ChatGPT and Generative AI: The emergence of Generative AI technologies, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has driven further interest in AI. These AI models require massive computational resources to operate, and NVIDIA’s GPUs are the industry standard for training and running these large-scale models. As AI continues to advance, NVIDIA’s role in powering these systems solidifies its dominance. - Strong Financial Performance: NVIDIA’s impressive earnings reports have validated its growth story. The company has posted record revenue, driven by AI-related demand, and continues to show strong financial results in key sectors like data centers and gaming. Investors see NVIDIA as a leader in AI, and its stock performance reflects this confidence. What Does the Future Hold for AI and NVIDIA? The surge in AI is not a short-lived trend. AI is expected to continue transforming industries, and NVIDIA’s position as a leader in the field means it will likely benefit from this growth for years to come. - Expanding AI Use Cases: AI will continue to find new applications in areas like healthcare, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. NVIDIA is well-positioned to provide the hardware and software solutions necessary for these innovations. - Growth in AI Cloud Services: As more companies shift to cloud-based AI solutions, NVIDIA’s products will be essential in powering these services. Partnerships with cloud providers like Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure further solidify NVIDIA’s influence in this space. - Innovations in AI Hardware: As AI models become more advanced, the demand for cutting-edge hardware will grow. NVIDIA’s continued investment in R&D ensures it remains at the forefront of AI technology, driving innovation in GPUs and other AI infrastructure. Conclusion The surge in the AI sector is one of the most exciting developments in the technology world, and NVIDIA is at the center of this transformation. With its powerful GPUs, software platforms, and strategic investments, NVIDIA has become the go-to company for AI computing. As AI continues to reshape industries and drive innovation, NVIDIA is positioned to be a key player in the future of technology, making it a stock to watch for investors and a company leading the charge in AI’s next frontier.
One of the key advantages of Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) is their tax efficiency, which can help investors keep more of their returns. Here's why ETFs are more tax-efficient compared to other investment vehicles like mutual funds
ETFs offer a simple and cost-effective way to gain exposure to global markets, allowing you to invest in companies and economies worldwide with just a few trades. Here's how: Broad Global ETFs: ETFs like VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) provide exposure to thousands of companies across both developed and emerging markets, giving you instant diversification without needing to pick individual stocks from multiple countries. Regional and Country-Specific ETFs: If you want more targeted exposure, there are ETFs that focus on specific regions or countries. For example, EFA (iShares MSCI EAFE ETF) focuses on developed markets outside North America, while FXI (iShares China Large-Cap ETF) gives access to leading Chinese companies. Emerging Market ETFs: For those looking to invest in fast-growing economies, ETFs like VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) provide exposure to countries such as China, India, and Brazil, where rapid economic development offers significant growth potential.
Tame inflation data also helped the market this week.
Trump's post comes after the Justice Department asked federal judges to unseal the grand jury testimonies in the criminal case of Jeffrey Epstein.
American Express and American Airlines airport lounges will soon be available in travel-sized versions.
Net worth is a useful tool, but it present an incomplete picture of your finances, experts say.
President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law earlier this month, will likely change the nation’s energy landscape — potentially leading to higher power costs just as the race to grow artificial intelligence heats up.
Investors over the past few weeks have countenanced a barrage of tariff threats as the Trump administration has ratcheted up the pressure on U.S. trade partners ahead of its Aug. 1 deal deadline.
“I have a home worth $1.3 million with $900,000 in equity. I have not paid it off as I have a 3% interest rate.”
Robinhood misses out on S&P 500 inclusion once again, as Square parent company is chosen to replace Hess.
President Trump said the crypto industry was once “mocked and dismissed and counted out,” but now could become a big buyer of U.S. government debt.
There is little in Paramount Global’s recent earnings report to indicate that the finances of its television division had eroded so precipitously that jettisoning one of its trademark programs would be a necessary solution.
Netflix's positive results could bode well for other streamers, including Disney.
The higher yields found in the bond market provide a bigger buffer against volatility compared with a few years ago — and greater potential for upside than downside as interest rates change, according to Vanguard.
While there are lingering concerns about Google’s search business in the long run, analysts see some positives ahead of upcoming second-quarter results.
Canadian travel dropped sharply in the first half of 2025, according to numbers by U.S. Travel Association.
Global insured losses for the first half of this year have reached $84 billion, according to a recent Gallagher Re report.
If you’re planning a trip with a friend who makes more money than you, it’s important to address that reality beforehand.
Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.
American Express said Friday that travel spending in the quarter was weaker than transactions for goods and services.
Americans say they’re feeling financial pressure — but it’s not showing up in banks’ bottom lines.
Market-based measures of future inflation are rising to worrisome levels last seen three months ago, with some strategists pointing to the potential for another round of unsettling tariff-driven price gains in the months to come.
Overall, executives and directors are down on 10 S&P 500 sectors — and positive about just this one.
One of the chief reasons the Federal Reserve should cut interest rates now, a top central banker argues, is because the economy has gotten weaker and is likely to stay weak for the rest of the year.
The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
Also: Why Tim Cook should keep running Apple, three critical questions for investors from Barry Ritholtz and how to use ChatGPT when researching investments
Public money — tax dollars — is being diverted to corporations from patients.
One Fed paper found LLMs have a surprisingly good understanding of the economic topics discussed in the Fed’s minutes, while another looked at using machine learning to forecast financial crises, Cook said.
The memory-chip maker’s latest high-bandwidth memory chips make Micron look better positioned than peers, Mizuho analysts say.
BMO Capital Markets says that more workers returning to offices could boost sales.
The conclusion of the saga removes a stock overhang for Chevron and paves the way for the $53 billion deal to close immediately, which the oil giant said it could happen within a couple of days.
There’s an old adage in the stock market that investors should “sell in May and go away.”
What you need to know now about your “retirement number.”
Sales Netflix’s developing ad-supported subscription tier are growing fast and could double in the coming year.
Retirement blogger Fritz Gilbert is trying to reduce his future tax burden, but it’s surprisingly harder than he thought.
U.S. airlines are struggling from weaker domestic spring and summer demand and lower fares.
Americans are less anxious about the economy and less worried about inflation after the Trump administration reduced high U.S. tariffs and trade wars simmered down, a new survey shows. But they are far from confident.
People are banking on a government safety net that isn’t there.
And there’s a possibility that other food and beverage companies may also reformulate their products, adding to the potential impact on consumers.
Entrepreneur Amy Shack Egan found out she was pregnant with twins just one month before launching a startup. It's a "unique challenge," she says.
Buying Norfolk Southern could provide unique benefits to Union Pacific, such as the old Wabash line.
Kids' programming like "CoComelon" and "Bluey" is becoming an important tool in retaining streaming customers as the services chase profitability.
Income-seeking investors need to look beyond yields to reduce the risk of suffering dividend cuts.
3M and American Express are among the companies that reported better-than-expected results Friday morning.
The Department of Education laid off roughly 1,400 employees in March and a federal judge paused the move. The Supreme Court now says it was permissible.
Charles Schwab’s stock briefly sees record territory after an earnings beat.
Low unemployment fuels spending, and more spending keeps unemployment low.
Legal settlements like Paramount’s with Trump erode shareholder value, this former FCC official says.
3M stock surges as full-year profit outlook gets a boost from lower estimates of tariff costs.
Amex’s spending growth was 7% in the second quarter, an acceleration versus the 6% rate seen in the first quarter.
Tipped workers will now be able to deduct tips from their taxable income each year — but some workers, analysts and advocates remain skeptical about the extent to which people will actually benefit.
Sargento heir Joshua Gentine told CNBC how to set the next generation up for success.
One fund manager says studies on the drawdowns in the stock market shows the need to hold high-quality companies for the long term.
The deal could likely take about a year to become effective, the official said on condition of anonymity because the details are not yet public
Burberry sales rose in the Americas in the fiscal first quarter, indicating green shoots in the embattled luxury brand's overhaul plans.
Citi anticipates sideways trading in the dollar, but remains bearish further out.
“Around 30 days before passing, he changed everything to go to a friend.”
Paulson is preparing to part ways with her longtime Los Angeles abode, putting the midcentury modern Hollywood Hills home on the market for $3 million.
US solar manufacturers file trade petitions against India, Indonesia, and Laos, alleging illegal practices by Chinese-owned companies.
‘Many institutions — including banks, payments companies, transport providers, and even government departments — are reluctant to share data with the federal government due to privacy and legal concerns,’ said Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar
Margins face pressure from the Reserve Bank of India’s rate cuts — 100 basis points since the start of the year — and a reduction of the cash reserve ratio to boost liquidity and further reduce funding costs in order to buoy the economy
Trump has tried to tamp down criticism of the decision by Attorney General Pam Bondi to keep documents related to Epstein from the public.
Abbott Laboratories CEO Robert Ford unpacked his company's latest quarterly report in a Thursday interview with CNBC's Jim Cramer.
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller on Thursday laid out the argument he is going to make in two weeks to his central bank colleagues — cut interest rates now because the labor market is weaker than you think, and inflation from higher tariffs isn’t a worry.
Banks are gearing up to take on payments competition from stablecoins, which could increase after Congress passed the Genius Act.
Oracle’s stock rose more than 3% on Thursday, moving ever closer to a $700 billion market cap.
Three significant pieces of crypto legislation make further headway.
Cryptocurrency has gained a hold in Americans’ investment portfolios and their retirement accounts — and now it’s a step closer to their wallets for everyday use.
Netflix also raised its 2025 profit outlook, but the stock was down after hours.
Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when a person's leg veins are damaged.
Citing industry data, Benchmark estimates that AMC delivered nearly 37% year-over-year domestic admission growth per screen in the second quarter, well above the prior estimate of 12.5%.
In the U.S., buzzy momentum stocks are running circles around the competition.
Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.
Elevance’s stock led the S&P 500’s losers after its CEO said a lowered profit outlook assumes Medicaid cost pressures won’t subside in the near term
Price increases on things like baby gear and home goods at Walmart reflect broader trends following President Donald Trump's tariffs.
Nvidia shareholders are complacent and the options are inexpensive — a good time to set up protective positions.
Retail sales for June point to something the stock market already feels pretty confident about: U.S. consumers will keep spending, even if bigger tariff hit in August.
The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
The S&P 500 looks strong — but at these levels, it’s wise to be wary.
Pro golfers are independent contractors, and a weak tournament performance can cost them a lot of money.
In an era of higher-than-normal inflation and 7% mortgage rates, a small group of homeowners are finding relief in 15-year mortgages, which often come with lower interest rates.
We're locking in a great gain of roughly 33% on shares purchased in May.
Canvas boat totes are more popular than ever this summer, experts say. Customers are flocking to major brands and small sellers to get personalized versions.
Lucid’s stock zooms to best day in months after Uber becomes the EV maker’s latest backer and the companies hatch a plan to launch robotaxis.
Tariff-induced inflation is evident — and higher costs are hitting consumers in the wallet.
Builders’ confidence in the housing market rose slightly in July, the National Association of Home Builders said.
Continuing claims were at the highest level since November 2021, a sign that workers are having trouble finding new positions after they are laid off.
Deutsche Bank note identifies the underlying structural trends driving bitcoin’s fundamental appeal
If you want your money to work harder for you, do this very important thing
The artificial intelligence play trades at an undemanding valuation and returns plenty of cash to shareholders.
A record flood of new cash. Leveraged and inverse products. Hedge-fund and private-equity firms getting in. Exchange-traded funds are the big investing story of the year.
Sales at retailers rebounded in June after the White House dialed back high U.S. tariffs, as consumers temporarily shrugged off the trade wars and spent more on cars, clothes, do-it-yourself projects and dining out.
Some studies reveal a preference for Coke produced just as it is — with high-fructose corn syrup.
Archer-Daniels-Midland plummeted on Thursday after President Donald Trump said that Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in its drinks in the U.S.
“No one seems to have an answer to this, including the Social Security Administration.”
Disney's portfolio of intellectual property has been the bedrock of its theme parks since Disneyland first opened 70 years ago in 1955.
GE Aerospace’s stock rises toward a 25-year high after earnings beat expectations on multiple fronts and the full-year outlook saw a big increase.
PepsiCo’s stock heads toward a three-month high after earnings beat expectations in contrast to a profit miss in the previous quarter.
China’s central bank has been buying physical gold to add to its reserves for at least the last three years – and there’s growing speculation that the country may be purchasing even more of the metal in secret as part of a strategy to reduce its reliance on the U.S. dollar.
it’s been nearly three months since gold climbed past $3,500 an ounce to its highest price on record, but five key factors to emerge since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term are likely to support prices in the months ahead.
Former institutional trader Kevin Muir flags caution on chasing this market as he sees some big market whales nearing the end of a U.S. stock buying spree.
While Trump and his advisers initially expressed hopes of securing multiple deals with trading partners, the president has been touting the tariff letters themselves as “deals” and suggesting that he is uninterested in back-and-forth negotiations