Navigating the AI Correction: Strategic Entry Points in Outperforming Tech Stocks

The technology sector, long a bellwether for innovation and growth, is now at a crossroads. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and redefines demand for hardware, investors face a dual challenge: navigating a correction in overvalued "Magnificent Seven" stocks while identifying resilient equities poised to capitalize on the next phase of AI-driven growth. The Federal Reserve's dovish pivot, coupled with macroeconomic uncertainty, has created a landscape where strategic positioning-rather than blind optimism-will determine success. Two companies stand out in this environment: Micron Technology (MU), a critical enabler of AI infrastructure, and FedEx (FDX), a logistics giant adapting to shifting economic dynamics.

Micron: The Semiconductor Engine Behind AI's Ascent

Micron Technology has emerged as a linchpin in the AI revolution, with its high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products driving demand from cloud providers and AI developers. In Q3 2025, the company reported record revenue of $9.3 billion, with HBM revenue surging nearly 50% sequentially and the data center segment accounting for 56% of total revenue. This growth is not merely cyclical but structural: AI's insatiable appetite for memory and storage is creating a "tight supply environment" that favors companies like Micron, which controls a significant share of the HBM market.

The company's strategic investments further underscore its long-term vision. Micron announced a $200 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing and R&D over the next two decades, a move that aligns with both geopolitical trends and the technical demands of next-generation AI hardware. Analysts project continued momentum, with Q4 2025 revenue expected to reach $10.7 billion-a 15% sequential increase-and gross margins stabilizing at 42%. For investors, Micron represents a rare combination of near-term profitability and long-term relevance in the AI era.

FedEx: Resilience in a Fragmented Logistics Sector

While tech stocks dominate headlines, traditional industries are not immune to AI's ripple effects. FedEx, a bellwether for global supply chains, has faced headwinds from trade tariffs and subdued demand but has demonstrated resilience through cost discipline and strategic repositioning. In Q3 2025, the company reported adjusted diluted EPS of $4.51, slightly below estimates, but its DRIVE cost-cutting program delivered $600 million in savings-a testament to its operational agility.

The company's decision to spin off its Freight segment by mid-2026 signals a pivot toward core strengths, with analysts suggesting this could unlock shareholder value by streamlining operations. Despite macroeconomic risks, FedEx maintains a "Moderate Buy" rating, supported by 14 "Strong Buy" recommendations and a mean price target of $264.41. For investors seeking exposure to a sector less correlated with AI hype but still insulated from economic volatility, FedEx offers a compelling case study in adaptive resilience.

### Fed Policy and Inflation: The Macroeconomic Tightrope
The Federal Reserve's actions in 2025 have created a mixed environment for tech stocks. After a nine-month pause, the Fed delivered a 25-basis-point rate cut in September 2025, with further reductions expected in 2026. While lower rates typically buoy equity valuations by reducing discount rates for future earnings, the sector has seen a correction in "Magnificent Seven" stocks, which now trade at stretched price-to-earnings multiples. This divergence highlights a broader market rotation toward value and momentum plays that can deliver near-term cash flows.

Inflation data, meanwhile, has shown signs of moderation, with core PCE inflation projected to fall to 2.1% in 2026. The Fed's cautious stance-projecting only one additional rate cut in 2026-suggests a focus on data dependency, leaving room for both upside and downside surprises. For investors, this environment demands a balance: leveraging the Fed's accommodative stance to target high-growth tech equities while hedging against volatility through diversified exposure to resilient sectors like logistics.

Strategic Entry Points for 2026

The interplay of AI-driven demand, Fed policy, and sector-specific dynamics creates a roadmap for strategic entry points. Micron, with its dominant position in HBM and a clear capital allocation strategy, offers a high-conviction bet on the AI infrastructure boom. Its recent earnings and guidance suggest it is not merely riding a wave but building a moat around its technological leadership.

FedEx, on the other hand, represents a more defensive play. Its cost-cutting initiatives and segment rationalization position it to weather macroeconomic volatility while maintaining a role in the global supply chain. For investors wary of tech's concentration risk, FedEx provides a bridge to a diversified portfolio.

Ultimately, the key to navigating the AI correction lies in identifying companies that combine technical innovation with operational discipline. As the Fed's rate-cutting cycle gains momentum and inflation trends stabilize, the market will reward those who align their portfolios with both the promise of AI and the pragmatism of macroeconomic reality.