Asia And Europe Markets Mixed, Futures Rebound Ahead Of Nvidia Earnings - Global Markets Today While US Slept

As the US markets took a breather, Asia and Europe markets experienced a mixed trading session on Wednesday, with futures rebounding ahead of Nvidia's earnings report. The tech giant is set to report its fourth-quarter results after the market closes, with analysts widely bullish on the AI chipmaker's stock.

Nvidia is expected to post another quarterly sales record on strong demand for its advanced chips, with analysts predicting revenue of around $38.32 billion, a 73% YoY increase. The stock has surged due to demand for AI hardware, with firms like Wedbush and others aiming for a price target of $175, a 30% upside. UBS remains even more optimistic, setting a target of $185, citing good supply and the impact of Nvidia's new Blackwell chips.

Despite these projections, Nvidia's valuation is under scrutiny. With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio above 40, the stock is priced to perfection. Any earnings miss or weaker-than-expected guidance could trigger a selloff, impacting the broader tech market.

AI boom or speculative bubble?
Nvidia's rise is driven by its critical role in AI, providing high-performance GPUs to major players like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI. However, skeptics warn that AI hype could mirror past market bubbles, such as the dot-com boom. If AI spending slows or the rivalry rises, Nvidia's growth trajectory may face headwinds. While current demand remains high, future market conditions will determine whether the AI-driven expansion is sustainable.

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Vivek Arya of Bank of America warns of near-term challenges due to the Blackwell transition, weakening demand for Hopper, and China's trade restrictions but maintains a positive outlook for long-term growth.
"The stock could be volatile post results, but we expect positive momentum to resume as investors look forward to Nvidia's leading new product pipeline (GB300, Rubin) and total addressable market expansion into robotics and quantum technologies at upcoming GTC conference (March 17)," Arya wrote to clients.
Another expert, Raymond James' Matt Orton recommends software and cybersecurity stocks, calling them top bets for AI's "next phase."
"You want to digest any volatility introduced from Nvidia and see where else you might be able to put your money… as this market remains choppy in the near term," Orton added.
"We’ve seen a bifurcation between software and everything else with respect to the AI trade following the DeepSeek news. I continue to like the software trade, especially cybersecurity, given the increased number of hacks and continued investment we’re seeing at the corporate level."

Market reaction and investor sentiment
A strong earnings report may lift Nvidia's stock, boosting faith in AI growth. Yet, hopes are already high, and even a good report might not keep the rally going. Options traders expect big moves after earnings, showing that investors are ready for price shifts. On the other hand, if Nvidia's results fall short, the tech sector could see a wider pullback. AI-linked stocks, which have followed Nvidia's lead, might also drop if the outlook does not back up current prices.

Looking ahead
Looking ahead, Nvidia's earnings are a key test for the AI field. If the firm posts strong sales and a bright outlook, it could drive more growth. But any hints of weaker demand or a crowded market could change views. Investors must balance Nvidia's long-term promise with the risks of high prices in a fast-changing sector.

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Key Takeaways
Nvidia is set to report fourth-quarter results after the market closes Wednesday.
The chipmaker is expected to post another quarterly sales record on strong demand for its advanced chips.
Analysts are widely bullish on the AI chipmaker's stock, with all but one of the analysts tracked by Visible Alpha issuing a "buy" or equivalent rating.
Nvidia's upcoming earnings report is one of the most highly anticipated events in the stock market, with investors eager to see if the AI boom continues to drive record-breaking growth. The company's dominance in AI chips has propelled its stock to new heights, but concerns about sustainability and overvaluation linger.