Booking Holdings Surges; Palantir Joins S&P 500

Booking Holdings has reached a record high share price of $5,644.80, boosting its market capitalization to $183 billion, fueled by strong travel demand, AI integration, and partnerships such as with Etraveli Group. Analysts have raised price targets for Booking Holdings, reflecting optimism about its future growth. Palantir Technologies has recently demonstrated significant stock volatility, an 11.35% monthly gain, and entry into the S&P 500, though its high valuation continues to spark debate among analysts. Palantir's government contracts, particularly with ICE and the CDC, remain a source of both growth and controversy regarding privacy and ethics. While some analysts caution that Palantir is overhyped due to high price-to-earnings ratios and relatively modest R&D investment, retail investor enthusiasm is strong. Both Booking Holdings and Palantir exemplify the dynamic between rapid expansion and increased scrutiny over valuation and business practices in the tech sector.