AI and the Next Phase of the Software Cycle

Software markets have experienced heightened volatility in recent weeks as rapid advances in generative AI have forced investors to reassess the durability of long-standing SaaS business models.

The Week in Markets

AI contagion deepens as software rout spreads across sectors

The AI sell-off intensified this week as software stocks led one of the broadest tech drawdowns since the rally began. The Nasdaq 100 was down almost 2% for the week, with deep AI-related sell-offs in software names, UK wealth managers, and commercial real estate companies viewed as 'at risk' of AI disruption.

Neuberger Berman described the move as unusually “broad and ferocious”, warning that AI-driven “creative destruction” is accelerating and forcing sharper differentiation between winners and losers.

AGF Investments said earnings expectations remain relatively intact, but valuations are being “crushed” as markets reassess business-model durability. Meanwhile, Aberdeen struck a similarly selective tone, arguing AI is shifting from productivity enhancer to disruption threat across application-layer software. Managers broadly favour cybersecurity, infrastructure and AI enablers - while warning that stress is beginning to spill from equities into credit.

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