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.
"Very different cities can be very good for different parents," one expert says. "It's worth your time to take a look at some of these details."
Some travel expenses are worth splurging on, whereas for others you should save.
Organizations are seeing a rise in cybersecurity attacks against application programming interfaces, or APIs, and aren't always prepared to defend themselves.
Smaller software stocks have been on a tear this year, and the sector broadly stands to benefit from lower costs for AI.
Even Buffett is struggling to outperform this bull market. Berkshire’s massive cash stake is key.
EatOkra and Black Foodie Finder are two of the most popular apps showcasing and bringing new patrons to Black-owned businesses and Black food professionals.
“It’s pure joy at this point. I think these kids will be in my life forever.”
The price increase in this consumer staple is complicating the central bank’s ability to achieve a soft landing.
Stock-market bulls are looking for a breakout to the upside after equities remained resilient in the face of bearish news.
“He had bad memories of growing up poor during the Great Depression.”
Soros Fund Management, the fund founded by billionaire investor George Soros, boosted its positions in tech plays in the fourth quarter, while selling off all of its shares in JPMorgan Chase.
At an all-hands meeting in Paris this week, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said the search company has better AI technology than China's DeepSeek.
Daniel Loeb’s Third Point hedge fund sold off its position in Apple in the fourth quarter, while boosting its holdings in electric-vehicle maker Tesla and social-media giant Meta Platforms.
Garrett Waggoner and Andy Gay came up with their idea for flavored-water startup Cirkul as Dartmouth football teammates — and then made it a $1 billion company.
Berkshire Hathaway revealed that it had snapped up more than 5.6 million shares of Constellation Brands, known for beers like Corona and Modelo.
Some real-estate and municipal bond markets may be under threat by changing demographics.
“It’s the one recession that strikes up to 50% of married couples once in their lifetime.”
Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.
Newmark Group’s stock on Friday notched its biggest one-day gain in more than a year, with investors snapping up shares of the commercial real-estate services company as it talked up its prospects for artificial-intelligence data centers and electric-power development.
“As she was leaving, she made some ugly remarks about me being on my phone a lot.”
DaVita shares were tumbling 13.5% Friday to lead S&P 500 decliners, after Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway pared its stake in the provider of kidney dialysis.
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“I can’t begin to tell you how down and stressed she is about possibly losing her home.”
TikTok was restored to app stores run by Apple Inc. and Alphabet Inc. on Thursday, after the tech giants were reportedly reassured by the Trump administration that they would not face legal ramifications for doing so.
The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
As YouTube turns 20 on Valentine’s Day, these charts and stats show how it’s become the most-watched streaming service and the most popular podcast platform over the past two decades.
Informatica CEO Amit Walia said that “execution issues” are being addressed by the data-management-software company.
The wisdom of Roth conversions depends on your household’s circumstances
It’s possible that the Trump administration could make some changes to the U.S. Chips Act.
Roku CEO Anthony Wood said more than half of U.S. broadband households now watch TV with Roku.
After being flat for two years, economist see the industrial-production sector starting to stir.
Older adults typically live seven to 10 years longer than they can safely drive.
Contributing to a tax-advantaged account such as an IRA or HSA can help shield money from your 2024 taxes.
Nvidia’s latest 13-F also indicates it sold its stake in Serve Robotics, and shares of the self-driving technology company are also sliding.
The cost of imports are getting more scrutiny
Many Black Americans experience racism at home in the U.S. Moving abroad has been a respite for these three expats.
Excluding autos, prices fell 0.4%, also far off the consensus forecast for a 0.3% increase.
Oil futures rose Friday and were on track to snap a streak of three straight weekly losses, finding support after President Trump didn’t immediately impose reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners.
Meager valuations have long been supportive of European stocks – now there are new factors to help the rally
At an all-hands meeting in Paris this week, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said the search company has better AI technology than China's DeepSeek.
U.S. Treasury yields were mixed on Friday, but recuperating some ground from a sharp drop a day earlier, as investors prepared for another fresh batch of economic data.
The world’s biggest hedge fund made a fresh bet on EV maker Tesla Inc. late last year, as it exited memory chip maker Micron Technology and banking giant Goldman Sachs.
MSG Networks, the New York Knicks' regional sports channel, is facing financial woes even as its team is in the middle of a competitive season.
What you need to know about how the Presidents Day holiday affects financial markets, government services, schools and more.
COVID-19 vaccine sales topped consensus but RSV sales remain modest
The average National Basketball Association team is worth $4.66 billion, according to CNBC Sport's official NBA valuations.
“I have a good amount of money saved up, more than my new wife.”
Hamlin, who is married to “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” alum Lisa Rinna, has released his very own “famous” pasta sauce.
Shares of GameStop were gaining more than 6% in extended trading Thursday, following a report that the company is weighing a bitcoin investment.
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The stock market’s internal indicators are mixed.
If you’re about to head to the store to buy chocolates for your valentine, be prepared to shell out more than you did last year as candy makers continue to deal with the high cost of cocoa.
Sweet Loren's started in Loren Castle's kitchen, and is now sold in 35,000 grocery stores across the U.S.
The cybersecurity company says its ‘platformization’ strategy is working, but its latest report lacked oomph on a bookings metric.
“Crypto’s voice was heard loud and clear in the U.S. elections,” company says.
Shares of DraftKings Inc. rose after hours Thursday after the sports-betting platform offered a more optimistic sales outlook for this year, as it moves ahead with things like live betting and deepens its push into U.S. states where betting is newly legal.
Roku’s stock soars more than 15% on upbeat outlook based on ”clear and accurate” data rather than ”conservatism.”
Airbnb Inc. on Thursday forecast first-quarter sales that came up a bit shy of Wall Street’s expectations, but the vacation-rental platform said it expects to continue to build on strides it made last year, as travel demand settles but stays solid.
Airbnb reported fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday that beat analysts' estimates, but the company issued soft guidance.
Arm’s stock jumps 6% following a report saying that the company plans to debut a new chip with Meta
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Trump's tariffs on products from the EU and TK add to a big trade bill that will hit U.S. states, with Texas and California economies the most impacted.
The hole in the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet is getting some attention from lawmakers.
As shoppers continue to struggle with higher grocery prices, Kraft Heinz Co. — known for its Mac and Cheese, Heinz Ketchup and Capri Sun — wants to give them a break from inflation this year.
Fed effort to restore price sanity suffers setbacks.
President Donald Trump unveiled a plan Thursday to implement new reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners.
Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.
Credit-card bills and car loans swelled at the end of 2024.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.’s stock tumbled 33% Thursday, to lead S&P 500 decliners, after the manufacturer of injectable-pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems offered guidance for 2025 that was well below expectations.
The continued momentum for Intel’s stock could force hedge funds to start buying. Plus, Intel’s process technology is getting more respect.
Nvidia investors could be disappointed by trends in the current quarter, but there’s big opportunity beyond that point for the company’s new chips.
Mortgage rates fell for the fourth week in a row, offering a glimmer of hope to home buyers.
The Investing Club holds its "Morning Meeting" every weekday at 10:20 a.m. ET.
A Leerink analyst says CVS is starting to benefit from stabilization in its Aetna health-insurance and pharmacy-benefits businesses.
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Treasury yields pulled back on Thursday even after another inflation report pointed to hotter-than-expected price pressures.
Data show that more chips were shipped to PC makers in the fourth quarter than demand currently merits.
Everyone loves the tax-free benefits of Roth accounts for growth, but investments don’t always go up.
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It’s generally accepted that the Magnificent Seven megacap stocks are expensive and the remaining 493 stocks in the S&P 500 are not very pricey. But that may be wrong.
It’s a good sign when a company can increase sales rapidly while also maintaining pricing power and improving efficiency.
Reddit said its user-growth numbers were affected by Google search “volatility” triggered by an algorithmic change.
The company is developing a “comprehensive strategy that will enable us to operate more efficiently.” That means fewer electric vehicles.
Producer price index rises sharply early in 2025
Adoption of cryptocurrency and bitcoin continues to grow, but haven't found a home on corporate balance sheets, where trillions remain in cash and bonds.
Molson Coors saw higher prices helping to offset continued volume declines.
Crocs-branded footwear is expected to grow 4.5% in 2025, but sales of its smaller HeyDude line could be down as much as 9%.
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Fast-food chain Wendy’s posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and ended six quarters of same-restaurant sales shortfalls, offsetting soft guidance for 2025.
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U.S. investors and large pharmaceutical companies are increasingly doing deals in China as the country's biopharma sector transforms.
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Oil futures fell Thursday morning, on track for back-to-back losses a day after President Trump said he and President Vladimir Putin of Russia had agreed to begin talks toward ending the war in Ukraine.
The company said it was “pleased with … strong momentum.”
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Deere is still grappling with a weak demand environment, with sales sharply lower across its core operating segments.
“My boyfriend stays at my house 80% of the time. I don’t even know how much he makes.”