Markets
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to mixed economic data and concerns over signs of broadening AI disruption of business models.
The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index fell 1.39 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 2.10 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.23 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, rose 1.92 percent.1,2
AI Disruption Fears
Big tech started last week back in the driver’s seat, leading the Nasdaq and S&P 500 to modest gains as investors appeared cautiously optimistic about the economy and Q4 corporate reports.3
Stocks slid modestly on Tuesday after December retail sales were flat, sparking some anxiety about the economy. Investors also fretted about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on financial stocks.4
A stronger-than-expected jobs report initially sparked a rally midweek, but momentum quickly faded as investors dug deeper into the numbers.
Stocks then came under pressure as AI disruption fears spread across several industry groups. Traders worried that AI would disrupt certain business models and possibly increase unemployment.5
Markets rebounded following Friday’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading, which gave investors another economic data point to cheer as the pace of inflation slowed in January.