Anthropic’s new AI tools deepen selloff in data analytics and software stocks, investors say

We are in a new era of technology. Artificial intelligence is no longer just a trend; it is affecting the stock market. Investors are selling shares of data analytics and software companies. The reason is Anthropic’s new AI tools. Anthropic, a leading AI company, recently updated its Claude AI platform with new plug-ins. These tools can handle tasks in legal work, sales, marketing, and data analysis. It sounds helpful, but investors are worried. They see these tools as a threat to traditional software companies.

What Anthropic Launched and Why It Matters

• New AI plug-ins: Anthropic updated its Claude Cowork agent with plug-ins.
• Automates tasks: Handles legal workflows, sales reporting, and data analysis.
• Efficiency boost: AI does repetitive work so humans can focus on high-value tasks.
• Investor concern: If AI replaces expensive software, traditional companies may lose revenue.
• Market trigger: This worry is central to the recent stock reactions.

 Immediate Market Reaction: Stocks Under Pressure

• Timing: Early February 2026 saw sharp selloffs in tech and software.
• Thomson Reuters: Fell ~18%, the largest one-day drop ever.
• LegalZoom: Dropped ~19.7%.
• RELX and Wolters Kluwer: Shares fell around 14% and 13%, reflecting investor concerns over AI disruption.
• Tech indexes: Investor concerns over AI impact caused small declines in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.
• Global impact: European and Asian IT stocks fell, too.

Why Investors Are Worried

• Core fear: AI could disrupt traditional software business models.
• Subscription risk: Software firms earn from data analysis, legal, or business tools. AI may replace these.
• Revenue erosion: AI performing software tasks may reduce sales.
• Margin pressure: Cheaper AI alternatives squeeze profits.
• Valuation uncertainty: Hard to forecast future earnings for legacy software.
• Analyst view: Schroders’ Jonathan McMullan: investors are “repricing these areas” due to AI impact.

Sector Impact: Not Just Legal or Data Analytics

• Legal tech: Thomson Reuters and RELX led declines.
• Data analytics: FactSet and Morningstar also tumbled.
• Advertising/marketing: Omnicom and Publicis fell due to AI automating services.
• Big tech: Nvidia, Microsoft, and  Meta all had lower trading sessions.
• Key point: AI disruption is broad, not limited to small niches.

Global Ripples: IT Stocks Around the World Slide

• India impact: Infosys, TCS, Wipro fell ~7% due to AI concerns.
• Takeaway: Markets worldwide are sensitive to AI developments, even for unrelated companies.

Investor Sentiment: Fear, Uncertainty, and Strategy Shifts

• Caution: Traders are reducing exposure to traditional software.
• Some optimism: Analysts say selloff may be overdone; software firms can adapt with AI.
• Portfolio moves: Investors favor AI infrastructure and chip makers due to computing needs.
• Key trend: Fear is driving immediate reactions, but long-term adaptation is possible.

What This Means for the Future

• AI as disruptor: No longer optional, it reshapes business operations.
• Software innovation required: Firms must adopt AI to survive.
• Valuation shifts: Investors now consider AI risk alongside earnings.
• Market lesson: Announcements like Anthropic’s can move markets fast.
• Outlook: Software firms embracing AI may thrive; laggards may struggle.

 Conclusion

Anthropic’s new AI tools have shaken both investors and global markets. The selloff in software and data analytics stocks highlights fears that AI could disrupt traditional business models. Companies that embrace AI may thrive, while those that lag risk losing market share. For investors, the message is clear: monitor AI developments closely, as they are now a major driver of stock value and industry change.

FAQS

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.