The Nasdaq Composite posted its worst single‑day decline since April 2025, slipping more than 4 % in one trading session.
Market Shock
The S&P 500 fell 2.64 % alongside the Nasdaq, confirming that the plunge reflected a broad reassessment of risk rather than an isolated tech glitch. Investors reacted swiftly, pulling capital from high‑growth equities as uncertainty mounted.
AI Capital Expenditure Outlook
Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, Meta, Amazon and Alphabet together announced AI‑related capital plans that exceed $650 billion for 2026, yet short‑term returns remain unclear. In February 2026, the software and data‑services sector lost roughly $1 trillion in market value within a single week, underscoring the volatility of AI‑driven growth.
Crypto Correlation
Bitcoin