Global markets recently experienced a significant sell-off, marking the worst week since November, largely driven by widespread fears surrounding artificial intelligence and higher-than-expected inflation. The S&P 500 fell for three consecutive days, and major tech stocks were hit hard; Nvidia's shares dropped 10% on Thursday, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) lost 5%, and Apple's stock saw a 5% decline, its worst day since April. Barclays analysts warned of an "unstoppable" sell-off, noting over $400 billion in market value disappeared from software companies in days, as investors worried about AI's impact across various sectors, including real estate, trucking, and finance.
Amidst these market jitters, AI continues its rapid expansion and disruption. Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts that AI will automate most white-collar tasks, such as those performed by lawyers and accountants, within the next 12 to 18 months. In terms of funding, Anthropic recently secured $30 billion, pushing its valuation to $380 billion. Meanwhile, Chinese AI model developer Zhipu plans a second stock listing in Shanghai on February 13, 2026, following a successful $558 million IPO in Hong Kong where its stock soared 320%. Zhipu's latest large-language model, GLM-5, has already outperformed Google's Gemini Ultra, highlighting advancements in Chinese AI using local chips.
Companies are actively adapting to or leveraging AI. Lenovo restructured its Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG), taking a $285 million charge, but reported record third-quarter revenue of $22.2 billion, an 18% increase, with AI-related revenue surging 72%. Cognizant Technology Solutions signed a three-year agreement with DAMAC Group to manage IT infrastructure and drive AI-focused digital changes. Lam Research announced a multi-year collaboration with CEA Leti to develop next-generation semiconductor devices for AI and high-performance computing. Check Point Software Technologies is shifting its cybersecurity platform to focus on AI-driven prevention and exposure management, integrating recent acquisitions to boost its AI features.
Even companies like Keyence are feeling the effects, with its stock slipping as AI sales automation raises concerns about its direct sales model. However, Keyence, with its strong financials, can invest in AI tools and training to potentially improve lead scoring and demo scheduling. Investors are closely watching for comments on AI tool rollouts and their impact on sales during upcoming earnings reports, as the broader market continues to grapple with both the opportunities and disruptions presented by artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- Global markets experienced their worst week since November, with the S&P 500 falling and tech stocks like Nvidia (10% drop), AMD (5% drop), and Apple (5% drop) hit hard due to AI fears and inflation.
- Barclays analysts warned of an "unstoppable" sell-off, noting over $400 billion in market value disappeared from software companies in days.
- Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predicts AI will automate most white-collar tasks within 12 to 18 months.
- Anthropic secured $30 billion in funding, reaching a $380 billion valuation.
- Chinese AI firm Zhipu plans a second stock listing in Shanghai after a successful $558 million Hong Kong IPO, and its GLM-5 model has outperformed Google's Gemini Ultra.
- Lenovo restructured its Infrastructure Solutions Group, taking a $285 million charge, but reported record Q3 revenue of $22.2 billion, with AI-related revenue surging 72%.
- Cognizant signed a three-year agreement with DAMAC Group to manage IT infrastructure and drive AI-focused digital changes.
- Lam Research partnered with CEA Leti to develop next-generation semiconductor devices for AI and high-performance computing.
- Check Point Software Technologies is shifting its cybersecurity platform to focus on AI-driven prevention and exposure management.
- AI sales automation raises concerns for companies like Keyence, but also presents opportunities for investment in AI tools to improve sales processes.
Cognizant partners with DAMAC Group for AI transformation
Cognizant Technology Solutions signed a three-year agreement with DAMAC Group. Cognizant will manage DAMAC's IT infrastructure, applications, and AI-focused digital changes. This news comes after Cognizant's stock recently dropped. Analysts believe the company is undervalued at $91.40, compared to its $65.83 closing price. They expect AI deals and better margins to drive future growth, especially in Financial Services and Health Sciences.
Lam Research partners with CEA Leti for AI chip tech
Lam Research reported strong quarterly earnings and announced a new multi-year collaboration with CEA Leti. This partnership focuses on developing next-generation semiconductor devices for AI and high-performance computing. Lam Research stock has seen significant growth, with a 1-year return of 180.2%. However, Simply Wall St's analysis suggests the stock is 13% overvalued, with a fair value of $204 compared to its $231.29 closing price. The company's leadership in new process technologies like ALD Moly and SABRE 3D systems drives its role in AI.
Lenovo restructures data center unit for AI growth
Lenovo restructured its Infrastructure Solutions Group to boost profits, taking a $285 million charge. The company reported record third-quarter revenue of $22.2 billion, an 18% increase, driven by strong AI product demand. AI-related revenue surged 72% and now makes up almost a third of Lenovo's total revenue. The ISG unit achieved an all-time high revenue of $5.2 billion, growing 31% year-over-year. Lenovo expects the ISG restructuring to save over $200 million annually and help the unit become profitable next fiscal year.
AI disrupts more industries and sparks market fears
Artificial intelligence is rapidly impacting more industries, causing investors to sell off stocks in sectors like real estate, trucking, logistics, finance, and software. Anthropic recently secured $30 billion in funding, reaching a $380 billion valuation. Meanwhile, Apple's stock dropped 5% on Thursday, its worst day since April. Major US stock benchmarks retreated, with the S&P 500 falling for a third consecutive day. Experts like Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman predict that AI will automate most white-collar tasks within the next 12 to 18 months.
Chinese AI firm Zhipu plans Shanghai stock listing
Chinese AI model developer Zhipu plans a second stock listing in Shanghai on February 13, 2026. This follows its successful $558 million initial public offering in Hong Kong, where its stock soared 320%. Zhipu aims to access new investment and capital pools in mainland China, where shares often trade at higher values. The company's latest large-language model, GLM-5, has already outperformed Google's Gemini Ultra. Analysts note that Chinese AI models continue to improve efficiency and use local chips, which is important given high memory prices.
AI sales automation impacts Keyence stock and model
Keyence stock slipped on February 13, 2026, as AI sales automation raises concerns about its direct sales model. Japanese media predicts 2026 will see digital workers and AI automating tasks like lead intake and proposal preparation. For Keyence, AI tools could improve lead scoring and demo scheduling, potentially increasing revenue per salesperson. The company maintains strong financials with high margins and no debt, allowing it to invest in AI tools and training. Investors will watch for comments on AI tool rollouts and their impact on sales during the April 24 earnings report.
Check Point shifts to AI security amid stock pressure
Check Point Software Technologies is changing its cybersecurity platform to focus on AI-driven prevention and exposure management. The company is integrating recent acquisitions to boost its AI features and cover more security areas. Check Point's stock trades around $164.47, showing a 12.6% decline over the past month. Analysts believe the stock could reach $215.16, about 24% higher than its current price. The success of this shift depends on how well Check Point integrates new technologies and delivers on its new four-pillar security model.
Barclays warns of unstoppable AI stock sell-off
Barclays analysts warn of an "unstoppable" sell-off in software and other stocks due to fears about artificial intelligence. Investors are selling quickly, causing over $400 billion in market value to disappear from software companies in just days. This fear affects commercial and technology firms. Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman stated that AI will fully automate most white-collar jobs, such as lawyers and accountants, within the next 12 to 18 months.
AI fears and inflation cause worst stock week since November
US stocks rose on Friday but still had their worst week since November, mainly due to worries about artificial intelligence and higher-than-expected inflation. The Consumer Price Index showed inflation slowing slightly but still came in above predictions. Technology stocks, especially those linked to AI, were hit hard. Nvidia's shares fell 10% on Thursday, and Advanced Micro Devices dropped 5%, while Broadcom lost 7%. Investors are now closely watching the Federal Reserve for clues about future interest rate changes.
Global markets fall on Friday 13th due to AI fears
Global stock and gold markets experienced a sell-off on Friday, February 13, 2026, driven by widespread fears about artificial intelligence. The S&P 500 fell 1.57% yesterday and is now negative for the year. Non-tech sectors like trucking, real estate, and finance also saw losses as investors worried about AI's impact. For example, a small company's AI platform for trucking logistics caused billions to be wiped off larger logistics stocks. However, some Wall Street analysts believe the selling is overdone, arguing that AI could actually boost company productivity.
Sources
- A Look At Cognizant (CTSH) Valuation After New Three Year DAMAC Group Collaboration
- Assessing Lam Research (LRCX) Valuation After Earnings Beat And New AI Collaboration With CEA Leti
- Lenovo Restructures Data Center Unit As AI Drives Double-Digit Growth To Record Sales
- CNBC Daily Open: AI is coming after more sectors, and its pace isn't slowing
- China AI App Zhipu Plans Shanghai Float After Soaring 320% in HK
- 6861.T Stock Today: February 13 — AI Sales Disruption Puts Keyence in Focus
- Check Point’s AI Shift Tests Valuation As Growth Targets And Stock Soften
- 'Sell first, think later': Barclays warns of 'unstoppable' AI sell-off
- Stocks Rise on Softer Inflation Data, but AI Jitters Trigger Worst Week Since November
- Friday the 13th brings global selloff in stocks and gold as AI fear grips markets
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