Google stock caps best year since 2009 as AI bets carry Alphabet into 2026
Alphabet ended 2025 up 66%, its strongest annual gain since 2009, driven by investor enthusiasm for new AI-powered search features. Citizens JMP raised its price target on Alphabet to $385. U.S. stocks posted double-digit gains for the year, led by AI-linked tech names. Novavax shares fell 1.47% Tuesday, closing at $6.72, about 42% below their 52-week high.