AI-Driven Shopping Surge Influences Black Friday — These Tech ETFs Could Gain Advantage
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 02 2025
0mins
Should l Buy AAPL?
Source: Benzinga
AI's Role in Retail: Artificial intelligence has become a crucial intermediary in retail, significantly influencing consumer behavior during Black Friday shopping, with AI-driven traffic to retail websites increasing by over 800%.
Impact on Spending: U.S. online spending reached $11.8 billion on Black Friday, a 9.1% increase from the previous year, while e-commerce growth outpaced in-store sales, highlighting the effectiveness of AI in product discovery and deal-hunting.
ETFs Benefiting from AI: Technology-focused ETFs, such as the iShares U.S. Technology ETF and Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF, are positioned to benefit from the growing reliance on AI in retail, as they include major companies like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Consumer Behavior Trends: Despite increased spending, consumers purchased fewer items per order due to higher prices and inflation concerns, indicating a cautious approach to holiday shopping, with expectations for Cyber Monday to set new records.
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Analyst Views on AAPL
Wall Street analysts forecast AAPL stock price to rise
27 Analyst Rating
17 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 264.180
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
Current: 264.180
Low
239.00
Averages
306.89
High
350.00
About AAPL
Apple Inc. designs, manufactures and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables and accessories, and sells a variety of related services. Its product categories include iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Wearables, Home and Accessories. Its software platforms include iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS. Its services include advertising, AppleCare, cloud services, digital content and payment services. The Company operates various platforms, including the App Store, that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games and podcasts. It also offers digital content through subscription-based services, including Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple Music, Apple News+, and Apple TV+. Its products include iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, iPad Pro, iPad Air, AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Growth Slowdown Warning: Despite a 11.1% annual growth in earnings per share over the past five years, analysts project a slowdown to 11.6% growth over the next three years, indicating that Apple's high-growth phase may be over, prompting investors to carefully assess future return potential.
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- Pre-order and Release Dates: The iPhone 17e will be available for pre-order starting March 4 and will hit stores on March 11, further expanding Apple's product lineup in the smartphone market.
- Enhanced Technical Specifications: The new model features the A19 chip and C1X modem, providing faster processing speeds, improved connectivity, and better battery efficiency, aimed at enhancing user experience and strengthening market competitiveness.
- Camera and Satellite Features: The iPhone 17e includes a 48MP Fusion camera and optical-quality 2x telephoto lens, while also supporting Apple's satellite features such as Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance, ensuring users remain connected even in areas without cellular coverage.
See More
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- 6G Strategic Initiative: Nvidia is partnering with telecom and technology firms to advance AI-native 6G network designs, planning to build future wireless systems around software-based architectures that enhance network intelligence and update capabilities.
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See More
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- Importance of Feedback Mechanisms: Kaplan emphasizes that as leaders rise, they should actively seek feedback from subordinates and cultivate them as coaches through regular skip-level meetings, thereby enhancing decision-making quality and team cohesion.
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