Small investors pile into AI amid viral sensation of ChatGPT

The artificial intelligence 'arms race' is inspired by the success of ChatGPT, the fastest-growing app in online history 

The record-breaking growth of ChatGPT has caused Wall Street to put a spotlight on AI to an extent reminiscent of the blockchain hype from a few years ago. 

Small investors are piling into small-cap firms that employ artificial intelligence amid intensifying competition between tech titans Google parent Alphabet and Microsoft to secure leadership in the next big driver of growth.

The viral success of ChatGPT has turned the spotlight on AI on Wall Street, reminiscent of the blockchain hype from a few years ago when shares of companies remotely associated with the technology surged.