Gains in AI company stakes juice second-quarter earnings for S&P 500

S&P 500 companies concluded second-quarter earnings reporting with aggregate profit growth of 52% compared to the prior year, according to data released on August 20. The technology sector led the advance with a 74% profit increase. Much of this growth stemmed from substantial mark-to-market gains recognized by major corporations on their investment portfolios.
Alphabet recorded a $77.1 billion unrealized gain on equity securities during the quarter, while Amazon recognized $53.4 billion in