Business
Alphabet Shares Climb Modestly in Midday Trading, Hovering Near $308 as AI Investments Fuel Optimism
Alphabet Inc. shares advanced modestly in midday trading on March 11, 2026, reflecting continued investor confidence in the tech giant’s aggressive push into artificial intelligence, even as concerns linger over soaring capital expenditures and ongoing regulatory scrutiny.
Alphabet Class A (NASDAQ: GOOGL) opened around $306.84 and traded in a range from a low of $305.57 to a high of $309.51, with shares changing hands near $307.95 to $308.76 in recent updates, up roughly 0.5% to 0.8% from the previous close of $306.36. Volume exceeded 6 million shares by early afternoon, aligning with average levels and underscoring sustained interest in the parent company of Google.

The uptick followed a strong prior session close on March 9 at $306.36, marking a 2.63% gain that outperformed broader market benchmarks. Alphabet’s performance has shown resilience in early 2026, recovering from softer periods amid macroeconomic pressures while benefiting from robust cloud growth and AI advancements. The stock’s 52-week range spans $140.53 to $349.00, with the current price positioned solidly in the upper half after peaking near $349 in early February.
A key driver remains Alphabet’s massive commitment to AI infrastructure. Management guided 2026 capital expenditures between $175 billion and $185 billion, primarily earmarked for data centers, servers and advanced computing to support Gemini models and Google Cloud expansion. The figure represents a significant escalation from prior years, positioning Alphabet at the forefront of the AI race alongside rivals like Microsoft and Amazon. Analysts note that while front-loaded spending raises short-term margin pressure concerns, long-term payoffs in cloud dominance and AI monetization could justify the outlay.
Google Cloud continues to shine as a growth engine. Recent quarterly results showed the segment’s revenue surging 48% year-over-year to $17.7 billion, with operating income more than doubling to $5.3 billion and margins improving to 30.1%. This momentum has bolstered sentiment, as enterprises increasingly adopt Google’s AI tools for productivity and development. YouTube and search advertising also delivered steady contributions, underpinning overall revenue strength.
Alphabet recently initiated a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, with an ex-date of March 9 and payment scheduled for March 16. The move, representing an annualized yield around 0.3%, signals confidence in cash flow generation despite elevated investments. The payout ratio remains modest at approximately 7.8%, leaving ample room for reinvestment.
Regulatory headlines persist as a backdrop. The U.S. Department of Justice and states appealed aspects of the 2024 search antitrust ruling, seeking stricter remedies after a judge found monopoly violations but rejected breakup proposals. Alphabet has defended its practices while complying with data-sharing mandates for competitors. In Europe, publishers filed complaints over AI Overviews, alleging unfair content usage, adding to ongoing EU probes. Despite these challenges, markets have largely shrugged off immediate risks, viewing Alphabet’s scale and innovation as protective moats.
Analyst consensus remains constructive. Price targets average around $377 to $385, implying notable upside from current levels, with highs reaching $443 in optimistic scenarios. Firms highlight AI leadership, Waymo’s autonomous driving progress and diversified revenue streams as tailwinds. Some forecasts project 2026 earnings per share near $8.89 and revenue approaching $407 billion, reflecting 18-19% top-line growth.
Institutional activity supports the bullish case. Recent filings showed Capital World Investors increasing its stake, while insider transactions — including CEO Sundar Pichai’s sales — drew attention but align with routine planning. Broader tech sentiment has improved, with megacap peers rebounding from earlier weakness tied to interest rate expectations and geopolitical factors.
Alphabet’s market capitalization hovers near $3.7 trillion, cementing its status among the world’s most valuable companies. The trailing price-to-earnings ratio stands around 28, considered reasonable given growth prospects in cloud and AI compared to historical averages.
As trading progresses, investors monitor upcoming catalysts, including potential AI product updates and quarterly earnings in late April. Alphabet’s ability to translate heavy investments into accelerated revenue and profitability will shape near-term performance. Executives express optimism about the “agentic AI era,” positioning the company to capture a significant share of a projected multi-trillion-dollar opportunity.
Monday’s activity reflects balanced sentiment: enthusiasm for technological edges tempered by awareness of execution risks in a capital-intensive environment. Alphabet’s diversified portfolio — encompassing search, YouTube, Android, cloud and emerging bets like Waymo — provides resilience amid industry shifts.
The company’s trajectory underscores broader themes in tech: massive AI spending as a prerequisite for leadership, balanced against regulatory and competitive pressures. For now, shares trade with measured gains, buoyed by fundamentals that continue to outpace many peers.
Business
Initial Unemployment Claims Down 9K, Lower Than Expected
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Business
No Suspect Named as DNA Evidence Awaits Analysis
TUCSON, Ariz. — The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, entered its 63rd day Saturday with authorities confirming they are treating the case as an abduction but have yet to name a suspect or determine a motive.

Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, when her son-in-law dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson after a family dinner and game night. She failed to appear the next day at a friend’s house for a livestreamed church service, prompting a missing person report on Feb. 1.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department investigators, assisted by the FBI, believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will in the late night or early morning hours of Feb. 1. Evidence includes blood found inside the residence, a propped-open back door, and doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual interfering with the surveillance system before approaching the front door.
Recent developments include the recovery of additional DNA evidence at the scene, which genetic genealogist CeCe Moore and others say could prove pivotal if uploaded to public databases for familial matching. As of Friday, April 3, forensic analysis was ongoing, with experts noting that genetic genealogy has helped solve numerous high-profile cold cases in recent years. No public match or suspect identification has been announced.
An insider source told NewsNation that early investigators initially leaned toward the possibility that Guthrie, who lived alone, had wandered off due to age-related concerns. That theory was quickly abandoned as evidence pointed to foul play, including signs of forced entry and the victim’s absence without her phone or critical medications.
The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her safe return, yet it remains unclaimed. Multiple ransom notes sent to media outlets have surfaced, though authorities have not confirmed their authenticity or linked them to a credible demand.
Savannah Guthrie, who took a leave from the “Today” show following her mother’s disappearance, has spoken publicly about the family’s anguish. She plans to return to the anchor desk on April 6, describing the broadcast as “my family” and a source of purpose amid the uncertainty. In earlier interviews, she pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the need to know her mother’s condition.
The case has drawn intense national and international attention, in part because of the victim’s age and family connection to a prominent journalist. Experts note that abductions of women in their 80s are statistically rare, making the circumstances particularly puzzling. The desert terrain surrounding the upscale neighborhood complicates searches, with vast areas of rugged land and a history of occasional violent crime.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced scrutiny over the investigation’s pace. Reports indicate the initial team assigned to the case lacked extensive experience in homicide or abduction investigations, leading to some early missteps. The sheriff’s office has pushed back, stating that family members were cleared early and that tens of thousands of tips have been reviewed.
A separate arrest of a Pima County deputy on unrelated kidnapping charges fueled online speculation, but officials stressed no connection exists to the Guthrie case.
Neighbors reported hearing dogs barking unusually that night, raising questions about possible use of signal jammers or other tactics to disable security systems. Investigators have canvassed the area for additional surveillance footage, including from nearby homes and vehicles.
Forensic details remain limited due to the active investigation. A black glove found near the property was tested for DNA, initially linked to a restaurant worker who was cleared. Other items collected continue to undergo processing.
The family has asked the public to review personal photos or videos from late January and early February that might capture suspicious activity around the Catalina Foothills. They highlighted Jan. 11 as a date of potential interest, though specifics were not disclosed.
As the case enters its third month, the emotional toll on the Guthrie family is evident. Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie and brother Camron have maintained a low public profile while cooperating fully with law enforcement. A makeshift memorial near the home has become a focal point for community vigils and well-wishers.
Media coverage has been relentless, with specials on FOX 10 Phoenix, NewsNation and true crime programs dissecting every detail. Nancy Grace and other commentators have highlighted the absence of clear signs of struggle inside the home despite the blood evidence, suggesting the abduction may have been swift and calculated.
The vast Sonoran Desert landscape poses significant challenges for recovery efforts. Air and ground searches have covered hundreds of square miles, yet no trace of Guthrie or her clothing has been located. Experts warn that after two months, the probability of finding her alive diminishes, though authorities refuse to speculate publicly on her condition.
The investigation has spotlighted broader issues of elder safety and the vulnerabilities of those living alone in semi-rural areas. Catalina Foothills, known for its affluent homes and proximity to Tucson, has generally low crime rates, making the apparent targeted nature of the incident even more alarming.
Sheriff Nanos has stated in prior interviews that the case may have been targeted, though no clear motive such as robbery or extortion has been confirmed. The family’s high profile has led to theories ranging from random crime to more complex schemes, but officials caution against unsubstantiated speculation.
As of Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI continue to urge anyone with information to contact authorities or submit tips through official channels. The $1 million reward from the family remains active.
The disappearance has also prompted renewed attention to other long-term missing persons cases in Arizona, with advocates noting that high-profile cases like this can sometimes overshadow thousands of unresolved investigations involving less prominent families.
For Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, the wait continues without closure. In a recent statement, the family expressed gratitude for public support while emphasizing their focus on bringing Nancy home.
Law enforcement has not scheduled a new news conference, but updates are expected as forensic results progress. The case remains one of the most closely watched missing persons investigations in recent U.S. history, blending elements of celebrity, mystery and the universal fear of losing a loved one without answers.
Business
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