2 Surprising AI Trends That Have Dominated 2026 So Far

By Matt Frankel, CFP and Tyler Crowe – Feb 2, 2026 at 12:13PM EST

It's been an eventful start to 2026, and different AI stocks have gone in very different directions.

We're only a month into 2026, but there have been some interesting moves in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. On one hand, software companies like HubSpot (HUBS 1.45%) and ServiceNow (NOW +2.10%) that incorporate AI into their products have been under pressure. On the other hand, companies that make memory products crucial to AI infrastructure have been soaring. In this video, longtime Motley Fool analysts Matt Frankel and Tyler Crowe discuss why.

*Stock prices used were the morning prices of Jan 29, 2026. The video was published on Feb.1, 2026.

Matt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.

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