Nvidia's expanding role as a financier of artificial-intelligence infrastructure is drawing fresh scrutiny after shares of several 'neocloud' companies that rent out its chips fell sharply this week. Analysts said the slide has raised questions about whether the AI data-center boom can generate enough revenue to cover its debt-fueled growth.

Apple shares are trading near record highs and closing in on Nvidia's market capitalization, putting the iPhone maker on track to reclaim the title of world's most valuable company. Upcoming quarterly earnings could be the catalyst that pushes Apple's valuation past its AI-chip rival.