7 AI stocks with highest trading volume spark investor interest

Artificial intelligence stocks have captured investor attention as companies across industries integrate AI technologies into their operations. While established tech giants dominate headlines, a group of specialized AI companies has emerged with significant trading activity, suggesting heightened investor interest in pure-play opportunities.

High trading volume often signals institutional interest, news catalysts, or shifting investor sentiment around specific stocks. These seven AI-focused companies have generated substantial trading activity recently, spanning diverse applications from voice recognition to energy infrastructure for AI computing. Each represents a different approach to monetizing the AI revolution, though they also carry the typical risks of emerging technology investments.

What qualifies as an AI stock

AI stocks encompass companies that develop, sell, or substantially utilize artificial intelligence technologies. This includes businesses creating machine learning software, AI-optimized hardware, data processing platforms, or AI-enabled services. Investors gravitate toward these stocks seeking exposure to AI adoption trends, while navigating challenges like premium valuations, intense competition, and execution uncertainties in a rapidly evolving market.

The companies below represent the highest dollar trading volume among AI stocks in recent trading sessions, indicating significant investor activity across different AI market segments.

1. BigBear.ai (BBAI)

BigBear.ai Holdings focuses on AI-powered decision intelligence solutions, primarily serving government and enterprise clients. The company operates in three main areas: national security applications, supply chain optimization, and digital identity verification systems.

The firm’s technology stack includes data ingestion and enrichment capabilities, coupled with machine learning algorithms for predictive analytics and visualization. This positions BigBear.ai in the growing market for AI-driven business intelligence, where organizations seek to transform raw data into actionable insights. Government contracts often provide steady revenue streams, though they can also create dependency on public sector spending patterns.

2. SoundHound AI (SOUN)

SoundHound AI develops voice recognition and conversational AI solutions for businesses across automotive, television, IoT devices, and customer service applications. The company’s primary product, the Houndify platform, provides tools for brands to build custom voice assistants through application programming interfaces, content libraries, and development kits.

The voice AI market has gained traction as consumers become comfortable with smart speakers and voice commands. SoundHound’s technology enables businesses to create branded voice experiences rather than relying on generic assistants. However, the company faces competition from tech giants with vast resources and existing voice platforms.

3. Hut 8 (HUT)

Hut 8 operates data centers supporting digital asset mining, high-performance computing, and AI workloads. The company has evolved from cryptocurrency mining toward providing infrastructure for AI computing demands, which require substantial processing power and energy resources.

As AI models become more sophisticated, they demand increasingly powerful computing infrastructure. Hut 8’s pivot toward AI-focused data center services positions it to benefit from this trend, though the business remains capital-intensive and sensitive to energy costs and cryptocurrency market volatility.

4. Tempus AI (TEM)

Tempus AI applies artificial intelligence to precision medicine, helping physicians deliver personalized patient care while facilitating drug discovery and development. The company combines clinical data with AI algorithms to identify optimal treatment approaches for individual patients.

Healthcare AI represents a significant market opportunity, as medical institutions seek to improve patient outcomes while managing costs. Tempus AI’s approach of integrating real-world clinical data with AI analysis could prove valuable for both treatment decisions and pharmaceutical research. However, healthcare AI faces regulatory scrutiny and requires extensive validation before widespread adoption.

5. Upstart (UPST)

Upstart operates a cloud-based AI lending platform that connects consumers seeking loans with banks and credit unions. The company uses machine learning algorithms to assess creditworthiness beyond traditional credit scores, potentially expanding access to credit for underserved borrowers.

The AI lending model aims to reduce default rates while increasing approval rates by analyzing non-traditional data points. Upstart’s platform covers personal loans, automotive financing, home equity lines of credit, and small-dollar loans. The company’s performance closely tracks interest rate environments and economic conditions that affect lending markets.

6. Fluence Energy (FLNC)

Fluence Energy provides energy storage systems and AI-enabled software for renewable energy applications globally. The company’s products integrate hardware, software, and digital intelligence to optimize energy storage and distribution across power grids.

As renewable energy adoption accelerates, grid-scale energy storage becomes crucial for managing intermittent power sources like solar and wind. Fluence’s AI-powered software helps predict energy demand and optimize storage deployment. The company operates in a growing market driven by clean energy transitions, though it faces competition from established industrial companies.

7. Fermi (FRMI)

Fermi positions itself as an advanced energy and hyperscaler development company designed for AI-era computing demands. The company aims to deliver up to 11 gigawatts of low-carbon, redundant power infrastructure specifically for compute-intensive AI applications, with 1.1 gigawatts projected online by late 2026.

AI model training and inference require enormous amounts of electricity, creating demand for specialized power infrastructure. Fermi’s focus on AI-optimized energy solutions addresses this growing need, though the company faces significant execution risk in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects on schedule and budget.

Investment considerations

These AI stocks span different risk profiles and market opportunities. Companies like Tempus AI and SoundHound AI focus on software and algorithms, typically offering higher margins but facing intense competition. Infrastructure-focused firms like Hut 8 and Fermi require substantial capital investment but could benefit from sustained AI computing demand.

Investors should consider each company’s competitive position, financial resources, and ability to execute on growth plans. The AI sector’s rapid evolution means competitive advantages can shift quickly, making management quality and technological differentiation crucial factors.

Market dynamics and risks

High trading volume in AI stocks often reflects both opportunity and uncertainty. While AI adoption creates genuine business opportunities, many AI stocks trade at premium valuations based on future potential rather than current profitability. Economic downturns, interest rate changes, or shifts in AI investment priorities could significantly impact these companies.

Additionally, the AI landscape includes well-funded competitors from established technology companies, making it challenging for smaller players to maintain market share. Regulatory developments around AI usage, data privacy, and algorithmic fairness could also affect business models across the sector.