[Apple’s cash flow engine makes it a favored AI hedging target among investors] October 22nd, Apple’s stock rose 27% in 2026, becoming the largest contributor to the S&P 500 Index’s 13% rise. Because the company has largely not invested in AI infrastructure, its shares have become a preferred way for investors to stay invested in big tech companies and avoid some of the group's share price volatility. Apple's strong free cash flow and continued earnings growth set it apart, but it has grown more slowly than its Big Tech peers and its stock has soared in value. "Apple stock is a very effective liquidity hedge against the volatility of artificial intelligence. If you start to worry about the development of artificial intelligence but want to invest in technology stocks, then holding Apple stock is a good choice." Jordan McCall, senior portfolio manager at Russell Investments, said.