Invest News

ChatGPT's Bold Stock Picks: Betting Big on AI and Crypto with Just $500

Joseph Branch -

In a daring experiment, I handed over $500 to ChatGPT, specifically utilizing OpenAI’s new GPT-5 “Thinking” model, challenging the AI to invest in the stock market. This wasn’t just an ordinary test. I sought its guidance to snatch significant returns within six months, fully prepared to handle the associated risks.

The Rise of GPT-5

OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-5, was heralded as a breakthrough in AI capability, offering an experience akin to consulting a friend with PhD-level intelligence. This model is acclaimed for its prowess in complex data analysis and code writing, making it an intriguing candidate for handling real-world stock investments.

Upon its previous iterations, I developed confidence in its analytical capabilities, seeing how prior models, such as GPT-3, managed to outperform the general market. Could GPT-5 surpass expectations and defy conventional stock market wisdom?

An Unconventional Investment Strategy

Having tried a similar experiment back in 2022 with GPT-3, I was curious but skeptical about the potential of GPT-5. Instead of offering generic or safe investment advice, the AI crafted a “Diversified High-Growth Portfolio.” In about eight minutes, it delivered a strategy distinctly skewed towards high-risk, high-reward selections including Palantir, AppLovin, Agios Pharmaceuticals, Hut 8 Corp, and MicroStrategy Inc.

Why These Picks?

  • Palantir (PLTR): Chosen for its AI/data platform capabilities, capturing widespread commercial and government sector interest.
  • AppLovin (APP): Appreciated for its proprietary AI engine and solid fundamentals, reflecting only a minor deviation from peak level stocks.
  • Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO): A speculative pick based on pending FDA approval for its lead drug, potentially unlocking unprecedented market opportunities.
  • Hut 8 Corp (HUT) and MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR): Investment centered on the growing and volatile market for cryptocurrencies, with a focus on Bitcoin holdings and blockchain technology.

A Risky but Purposeful Path

ChatGPT didn’t back down from the challenge, opting for a risky and aggressive approach to investment strategy—a sentiment perfectly aligned with my brief. The AI’s aim for “explosive upside” over stability mirrored my goal for rapid and substantial financial growth.

According to Fast Company, it’s indicative of the model’s precise instruction-following ability, a hallmark of GPT-5’s advanced development. With OpenAI’s assurance, my investments entered a dynamic landscape, poised for potential growth or an unpredictable fall.

Early Returns and Future Vision

While the AI’s objective was unmistakably bold, only time will reveal if my investment spins into fortune or tumbles into folly. As of the present moment, the initial returns are optimistic, already inching up to a 10% increase. It’s a promising start for what was meant to be an audacious economic journey guided by artificial intelligence.

Will this simple $500 investment morph into a substantial sum? The answer lies not just in corporate movements but in AI’s ongoing evolution and integration into financial decision-making. Stay tuned—this thrilling financial experiment is far from over.