7-7-26 Will AI Chip Competition Derail the Rally? | Before the Bell

Markets are pulling back after Monday's momentum buy signal as investors digest news that China's DeepSeek has reportedly developed its own AI chip. Is this the beginning of a larger rotation away from the semiconductor leaders that have powered this bull market? Lance Roberts examines why semiconductor stocks have become increasingly vulnerable after a parabolic advance, how new competition can quickly change supply-and-demand expectations, and why profit-taking in one sector can ripple through the entire market. We also discuss why defensive sectors, including Healthcare, Financials, Utilities, Real Estate, and Consumer Staples, could begin attracting capital if technology leadership continues to weaken. We'll review the technical backdrop, explain why momentum remains positive despite today's softer opening, and discuss practical risk-management strategies investors should consider as market leadership begins to broaden. Hosted by RIA Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer --- Watch the Video version of this report on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/QeB5fBrW4yA --- Articles mentioned in this report: "Margin Debt Risk: The Ratios That Mislead Investors," https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/margin-debt-risk-the-ratios-that-mislead-investors/ "Wage Growth As A Leading Inflation Indicator" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/wage-growth-as-a-leading-inflation-indicator/ "Mag 7 Stocks: Risk Or Opportunity In The Making?" https://realinvestmentadvice.com/resources/blog/mag-7-stocks-risk-or-opportunity-in-the-making/ --- Get more info & commentary: https://realinvestmentadvice.com/insights/real-investment-daily/ --- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo --- * REGISTER for our next Candid Coffee, "Narrative Busters: Market Stories Investors Should Approach With Caution," Saturday, July 18, 2026: https://streamyard.com/watch/RfJtCj2byfDr --- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN --- Subscribe to SimpleVisor : https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new --- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #ArtificialIntelligence #Semiconductors #Investing #RiskManagement