Stock Market Today, Mar. 5: Nvidia Edges Higher as Investors Weigh AI Data Center Spending Outlook
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), which develops GPUs and AI hardware/software solutions, closed Thursday at $183.34, up 0.16%. The stock’s modest gain follows as overnight coverage highlights bullish 2026 price targets, potential stock split, and continued AI-driven earnings growth, which investors are monitoring to assess Nvidia’s long-term prospects.
The company’s trading volume reached 190.8 million shares, which is roughly 8.7% above compared with its three-month average of 175.4 million shares. Nvidia went public in 1999 and has grown 446886% since its IPO.
How the markets moved today
S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) fell 0.56% to 6,830, while the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) slipped 0.26% to 22,749. Within semiconductors & semiconductor equipment, industry peers were mixed as Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) closed at $199.45, down 1.30%, while Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) finished at $45.95, up 0.81%.
What this means for investors
Recent coverage has focused on how long Nvidia’s artificial intelligence growth cycle can continue. Some analysts have suggested the stock could approach $300 by 2026 if demand for AI accelerators and data center infrastructure remains strong, highlighting how closely Nvidia’s outlook is tied to ongoing investment from cloud providers and enterprises. The company’s latest results reinforced that narrative, with revenue rising 73% year over year to $68.13 billion and earnings exceeding expectations as data center demand continues to drive growth.
Nvidia’s new partnerships with optics manufacturers Coherent Corp. and Lumentum aim to improve high-speed connectivity in next-generation AI data centers, addressing growing bandwidth and efficiency needs as workloads scale. Investors will be watching upcoming AI infrastructure spending from cloud providers and enterprises, as well as continued demand for Nvidia’s data center chips, for signs that the growth trajectory implied by bullish long-term price targets can continue.
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Eric Trie has positions in Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Intel, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
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