Today is Monday, June 29, 2026.
The Early Bird Index today is 89.33.
New to this newsletter? Sign up here
Chips Won. Software Lost. 📊
How should investors analyze the big winning and losing stocks in the first half of 2026? A group of experts explains in a new episode of the Early Bird podcast.
EARLY BIRD
Biggest Stock Market Themes in the First Half of 2026
Details: Some of the most important investing themes in the first half of 2026 included artificial intelligence and SpaceX’s $SPCX ( ▲ 0.15% ) initial public offering. But the story was bigger than just that.
Big Picture: The market saw broad earnings growth beyond just the so-called “Magnificent Seven” stocks, impacting companies across the board. Most sectors were up in the first half. The consensus was that if AI hyperscalers spend more, this helps providers that serve those companies.
Powering the Story: Chip and memory stocks performed extremely well in the quarter, with stocks such as SanDisk $SNDK ( ▼ 10.46% ), Micron Technology $MU ( ▼ 6.69% ), and Intel $INTC ( ▼ 3.42% ) surging.
An under-the-radar category of winners was cybersecurity. Stocks such as CrowdStrike $CRWD ( ▲ 3.31% ) and Palo Alto Networks $PANW ( ▲ 3.79% ) skyrocketed in the second quarter.
Yes, But: Software stocks were seen as the real losers of the first half. Companies such as Microsoft $MSFT ( ▲ 5.71% ) and Salesforce $CRM ( ▲ 5.45% ) fell during the period. Tech consulting companies also struggled. Tesla $TSLA ( ▲ 1.22% ) declined.
Final Thoughts: What should investors expect in the second half of 2026? Find out by listening to a new episode of the Early Bird podcast.
PRESENTED BY GROUNDFLOOR
We’ve Paid Investors Over $36.5M in Returns
Some investments make promises. Groundfloor has a perfect track record.
Since launching real estate-backed Notes in 2018, Groundfloor has paid investors more than $36.5 million in interest and has never missed a scheduled principal or interest payment. Today, investors can choose the flexible Note that fits their goals: 1-month, 3-month, or the 12-month Signature Note earning 8.25% fixed APY.
It’s easy. Sign up and park your cash for the short term or set yourself for predictable monthly income, all with higher yields than any savings product out there. Notes offer trusted fixed returns, defined timelines, and real estate-backed security. Choose your term, lock in your rate, and know exactly when your money comes back. Use code NOTES100 for a $100 bonus on your first $1,000 investment.
Notables
Notable Earnings Today: AeroVironment (Nasdaq: AVAV), Concentrix (Nasdaq: CNXC).
Notable IPOs Today: Starlink AI Acquisition Corporation (NYSE: OTAI), AmperCap Acquisition Company Ordinary Shares (Nasdaq: AMPC).
Notable Equity Crowdfunding Campaigns Ending Today: Noble Mobile (Wefunder), Kaylaan #2 (Honeycomb), Nanusens (Crowdcube).
Notable Economic Events Today: N/A.
Williams Eyes Pipeline Deal
Amid an already strong year for Williams Companies $WMB ( ▲ 0.5% ), the energy infrastructure company is reportedly focused on closing a new acquisition.
Details: On Sunday, Bloomberg reported that Williams was in advanced talks to buy pipeline operator Momentum Midstream for about $5.5 billion.
The deal would expand Williams’ pipeline network and add new capacity to transport gas.
Background: Williams reported mixed financial earnings results in May, and yet the stock has found a way to thrive in 2026.
Final Thoughts: Shares of Williams are up 28.05% this year.
Solana Gets Sunday Lift
As most major cryptocurrency prices tumbled on Sunday, Solana $SOL ( ▲ 2.28% ) stood out in a good way with a gain of nearly 2%.
Final Thoughts: Solana is still down about 42% in 2026, including a 12% drop this month, but Sunday’s gain is at least reassuring for investors.
Trends to Watch
Leveraged Funds and Margin Debt: The Trillion-Dollar Borrowing Binge Lifting the Stock Market to Risky Heights (Wall Street Journal)
Going Private: Sovereign funds move from public markets to private to ride AI wave (Financial Times)
AI Data Center Buildout Boom: Why Wall Street thinks US memory maker Micron is the next Nvidia (TechCrunch)
Trillions in Spending: Samsung, SK Hynix shares fall as investors brace for reported $1.3 trillion spending plans (CNBC)
Coming Soon: Michael Saylor teases more bitcoin buying even as Strategy stock continues to fall (CoinDesk)
Thank you for reading!
Forward to a friend and tell them to sign up here.
Pick winning stocks: Upgrade to Early Bird Prime.
Become a smarter investor: Get Early Bird Exclusives
Want more investing tips? Listen to the podcast.
Show Your Support: Buy Me a Coffee.
Questions or comments? Hit reply to reach out.
The contents of Early Bird are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. They do not constitute trade or investment recommendations, and they are not financial or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult licensed professionals for personalized guidance regarding their financial or legal situations.
