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The AI Stocks to Watch in April – Navigating Tariffs and Turbulence

April 10, 2025

Markets rebounded sharply on 9 April after President Trump announced a 90-day tariff pause, capping most import duties at 10%. China remains excluded from the suspension. The Nasdaq surged over 10%, reversing much of the prior week’s losses.

Still, the episode exposed the fragility of global tech supply chains—especially for AI firms reliant on Chinese manufacturing. While semiconductors remain exempt, tariffs on components like batteries and display assemblies remain a threat if tensions escalate. Hardware-led AI stocks are down 22% YTD, while cybersecurity names are off just 5%, highlighting their relative resilience.

AI Stocks to Watch in April

Here are some of the key names flagged by analysts and research houses for April, spanning a mix of mega-cap leaders, emerging small-cap plays and one ETF.

Market Cap: $2.8T | YTD: -12.4% | 2025 Est. Sales Growth: +59% - EPS Growth: +51%

Nvidia remains the cornerstone of AI infrastructure, supplying the GPUs that power everything from ChatGPT to enterprise-grade deployments. Its CUDA software stack and hardware innovation create a durable moat.

MSN, The Motley Fool all named Nvidia a top pick for April. Wedbush’s Dan Ives remains bullish on Nvidia long term Outlook. Bernstein’s Stacy Rasgon noted most U.S. shipments come from Mexico, shielding it from direct tariff exposure.

Celestica Inc. (CLS)

Market Cap: $9B | YTD: -15.40% | 2025 Est. Sales Growth: +12% - EPS Growth: +24%

Celestica plays a growing role in the build-out of AI and IoT infrastructure, particularly around edge compute and data centre systems. The company’s integration capabilities are gaining traction with hyperscalers and industrial clients deploying intelligent devices at scale.

Seeking Alpha highlights Celestica as one of its top AI picks for April, citing its momentum in AI-linked hardware and next-generation connectivity. Analysts point to strong operating leverage and rising demand across cloud and connected platforms.

Upstart Holdings Inc. (UPST)

Market Cap: $4B | YTD: -31.72% | 2025 Est. Sales Growth: +50% - EPS Growth: +795%

Upstart uses AI to automate consumer credit underwriting and is increasingly exploring IoT-driven data inputs to refine its risk models. Its platform supports lending decisions across a broad network of banks and credit unions.

Seeking Alpha includes Upstart among its top names to watch in April, highlighting its AI model performance and scope for recovery. Revenue is expected to rebound strongly in 2025, driven by product expansion and improved credit outcomes.

Amazon (AMZN)

Market Cap: $2T | YTD: -14.90% | 2025 Est. Sales Growth: +12% - EPS Growth: +14%

Amazon integrates AI across its logistics and e-commerce platforms, while AWS continues to scale its AI infrastructure business. Its in-house chips—Trainium and Inferentia—further reduce reliance on third parties.

The Motley Fool and Seeking Alpha see Amazon as a top pick in April, highlighting its vertical integration and leadership in AI automation. While retail may face second-order impacts from tariffs, AWS remains well-positioned for growth.

Uber Technologies Inc. $UBER ( ▲ 1.26% )  

Market Cap: $148B | YTD: +17.79% | 2025 Est. Sales Growth: +15% - EPS Growth: -45%

Uber combines AI with real-time IoT data across its ride-hailing and delivery platforms, powering dynamic pricing, routing, and autonomous vehicle development. The company continues to build scale across logistics and mobility.

Josh Brown, co-founder of Ritholtz Wealth Management, recently increased his position in Uber, stating that it “will be standing at the end of the trade war”. Seeking Alpha identified Uber as a top AI pick for April, citing its expanding automation strategy and long-term position at the intersection of data, transport, and intelligent systems.

Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF $CHAT ( ▲ 0.33% )  

Net Assets: $237M | YTD: -14%

For investors seeking diversified exposure without the risk of stock-picking, The Motley Fool spotlighted the Roundhill Generative AI & Technology ETF. It includes top holdings like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Alphabet, offering a lower entry point and built-in diversification.

Short-Term Noise, Long-Term Opportunity

The tariff pause has delivered short-term relief, but uncertainty still lingers. Over the next 90 days, markets will be watching closely for signs of escalation or resolution in trade negotiations. AI hardware firms with heavy reliance on China remain vulnerable to further disruption, while platform companies with domestic or diversified supply chains are likely to trade more steadily.

The underlying thesis remains unchanged: AI is not cyclical—it’s foundational infrastructure. April may be uncomfortable in the short term, but it may also bring clarity on who will emerge as the true leaders.

Disclaimer - This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, personal recommendations, or an invitation to engage in any investment activity. The information presented is derived from publicly available sources and should not be solely relied upon for making investment decisions. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making investment choices. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Data sources: Finviz, Stock Analysis and Yahoo Finance.