S&P 500 and Nasdaq Decline as Tech Stocks Suffer Amid AI Concerns

Feb 5, 2026, 2:17 AM
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The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite indices faced declines for the second day in a row, primarily due to investor apprehensions about the sustainability of technology stock valuations in light of recent AI developments. As the market anticipates Google's upcoming earnings report, analysts are closely monitoring the tech sector's performance amid rising concerns about an AI bubble.
On Tuesday, the S&P 500 recorded its longest losing streak since August, marking its fourth consecutive day of losses, while the Nasdaq logged its fifth negative session in six days. The declines were fueled by profit-taking from tech stocks, particularly those associated with the AI boom, as investors began questioning the timing and viability of the substantial investments made in AI capabilities.
Tech giants, including Nvidia, have seen their stock prices fluctuate significantly. Nvidia's shares, which had experienced a substantial drop of 12% since reaching record highs, gained 3% during regular trading but remained under pressure due to concerns that its valuation may not be sustainable. The upcoming earnings report from Nvidia is highly anticipated, with analysts expecting the company to report revenue of approximately $55.4 billion, reflecting a nearly 60% increase year-over-year.
Market sentiment is further influenced by the recent performance of Alphabet, Google's parent company, which saw its shares rise about 3% on optimism regarding its new AI product, Gemini 3. However, as Google prepares to announce its earnings, questions linger about whether it can continue the positive momentum in the tech sector, especially as concerns about profitability and growth loom large.
Investors and analysts alike are cautious moving forward, as Scott Welch, chief investment officer at Certuity, pointed out that markets historically do not remain elevated without correction. He emphasized that while the AI trade is valid, it may not yield immediate returns. The market's reaction to Nvidia’s earnings could serve as a barometer for investor confidence in the tech sector as a whole, especially given the heightened expectations surrounding AI investments.
As the stock market adjusts to these pressures, retail investors are also re-evaluating their positions. Reports indicate that some investors are opting for safer investments, such as Treasury bills, amid the volatility seen in tech stocks. This shift reflects a growing sentiment among traders that caution may be warranted in the current market environment, particularly as the earnings season unfolds.
In summary, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are facing headwinds from a combination of profit-taking and investor skepticism regarding the tech sector's valuation and the sustainability of the AI boom. As earnings reports from major players like Google and Nvidia loom, market participants are poised for potential shifts in sentiment that could influence broader market trends.

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