Headline: AI Selloff Wipes $2.4 Trillion as Risk Signals Build Across Markets
Introduction: The AI-fueled tech rally is losing steam, with a sharp reset in valuations rippling across equities, crypto, and commodities. Investors are pivoting to risk management as two mega-cap tech names slip into correction territory, hedging costs climb, and macro pressures mount.
The latest drawdown has erased roughly .4 trillion from AI-linked stocks, underscoring concerns that the sector’s rapid gains outran fundamentals. Credit hedging costs have surged, with Oracle’s credit default swap premiums reportedly doubling as its shares dropped by about a third from recent highs. Traders are increasing short exposure and option hedges across popular AI names, reflecting heightened sensitivity to tech valuation risk and the durability of earnings expectations.
Cross-asset moves highlight a complex risk backdrop. An early Bitcoin whale sold around 11,000 BTC for approximately .3 billion, signaling profit-taking as crypto markets recalibrate from 2021 peak levels. In commodities, cocoa futures jumped on short covering and tight inventories, though expectations of larger harvests and softer demand could cap gains. Equity futures are pointing lower—down roughly 20–25 points—while rising volumes hint at building volatility and mechanical de-risking.
Macro headwinds add to the caution. Employer health insurance premiums are up about 6.7%, intensifying the affordability squeeze and raising corporate cost concerns. Veteran investors warn of bubble-like conditions with echoes of 1929 and 2000, suggesting the potential for flat real equity returns ahead. Defensive positioning—favoring gold and reducing credit exposure—is gaining traction as markets reassess risk across asset classes.
Key Points: – About .4 trillion in market value has been wiped from AI-related stocks amid a sharp valuation reset. – Two major tech names from the Magnificent Seven have fallen into correction territory. – Oracle’s CDS costs doubled as its shares slid roughly one-third from highs, signaling rising credit hedging. – A long-time Bitcoin holder sold around 11,000 BTC for about $1.3 billion, reflecting renewed crypto profit-taking. – Cocoa futures rallied on short covering and tight inventories, with larger crops and weak demand tempering the outlook. – Employer health insurance premiums jumped approximately 6.7%, while equity futures dipped 20–25 points and volatility climbed.
