- What Is the Anthropic AI Tool?
- Stocks Hit by Anthropic’s AI Tool
- Why Anthropic’s Release Caused a Bloodbath in IT, Software Stocks?
- Key Takeaways for Investors From This Carnage on Wall Street
On February 3 and 4, 2026, global equity markets delivered a sharp reality check to technology investors. An Anthropic AI tool triggered a broad-based sell-off across US software stocks, semiconductors, global IT services, and even Big Tech bellwethers.
In one trading session, the Nasdaq100 slipped 1.55%, software-heavy indices fell harder, and Indian IT ADRs saw some of their steepest single-day declines in months. This sell-off was about fear that AI is no longer just a productivity enhancer, but a direct substitute for large parts of the software and services value chain.
Let’s break down what Anthropic released, why markets panicked, which stocks were hit, and what investors should realistically take away from this carnage.
What Is the Anthropic AI Tool?
Anthropic unveiled a major upgrade to its enterprise AI stack through Claude Cowork and Claude Code, positioning them as end-to-end workflow automation tools rather than simple chatbots. The new release allows AI agents to independently execute tasks such as:
- Reviewing and drafting legal documents
- Writing, testing, and refactoring production-grade code
- Automating analytics, compliance checks, and internal reporting
- Coordinating multi-step workflows with minimal human input
The critical shift was not capability alone, but intent. Anthropic openly framed the tool as a replacement for repetitive, white-collar software-driven work, not just an assistant. That framing is what rattled markets.
Stocks Hit by Anthropic’s AI Tool
The sell-off following Anthropic AI tool launch was swift and indiscriminate, cutting across software, IT services, semiconductors, and cloud platforms.
Market Reaction Snapshot
| Company | 1-Day Fall |
| Intuit | -10.89% |
| Accenture | -9.59% |
| Infosys ADR | -8.32% |
| Adobe | -7.31% |
| Salesforce | -6.85% |
| Cloudflare | -6.64% |
| Wipro ADR | -4.83% |
| Qualcomm | -3.57% |
| Microsoft | -2.87% |
| Broadcom | -3.25% |
| Meta | -2% |
Source: Yahoo Finance
Analysts estimate that more than $280 billion in market capitalisation was wiped out across software and data-centric stocks in just one day. From the Indian market alone, Rs 2 lakh crore is estimated to be wiped out as a result of this sell-off.
Why Anthropic’s Release Caused a Bloodbath in IT, Software Stocks?
The market reaction was emotional, but not irrational. Several structural fears converged at once.
- AI now threatens revenue: Anthropic’s tool directly targets high-margin software workflows. If AI can complete tasks without recurring licences or large teams, long-term SaaS pricing power comes under pressure.
- IT services face a structural reset: Indian IT giants like Infosys and Wipro rely on headcount-based billing. AI-driven automation raises uncomfortable questions about utilisation rates, pricing models, and long-term demand for large delivery teams.
- Valuations were already stretched: Many US tech stocks were trading at premium multiples built on predictable growth. Even a small dent to future cash-flow assumptions forces rapid multiple compression.
- Fear spreads faster than fundamentals: Once the “AI replaces software” narrative took hold, selling became index-driven. Stocks with no direct exposure to Anthropic were dragged down purely due to sector positioning.
- AI optimism flipped into AI anxiety: For the first time, markets treated AI not as a tailwind for everyone, but as a zero-sum force that creates winners and destroys incumbents.
Key Takeaways for Investors From This Carnage on Wall Street
- Repricing, not a collapse. Software and IT are not obsolete, but their business models are being challenged.
- AI-native companies will command a premium. Firms that embed automation into their offerings will likely recover faster.
- Headcount-heavy models are at risk. Investors will increasingly scrutinise revenue per employee and automation leverage.
- Volatility is the new normal. As AI tools evolve rapidly, market reactions will remain sharp and unforgiving.
- Long-term winners will adapt, not resist. The real divide will be between companies that integrate AI deeply and those that treat it as an add-on.
The Anthropic-triggered sell-off was a wake-up call. Markets are finally pricing in a future where AI does not just support software businesses. It competes with them. For investors, the challenge now is to separate temporary panic from permanent disruption and position portfolios accordingly.
Disclaimer:
The content is meant for education and general information purposes only. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Past performance is not indicative of future returns. The securities quoted are exemplary and are not a recommendation. This in no way is to be construed as financial advice or a recommendation to invest in any specific stock or financial instrument. Readers are encouraged to verify the exact numbers and financial data from official sources such as company filings, earnings reports, and financial news platforms and to conduct their own research, and consult with a registered financial advisor before making any investment decisions. All disputes in relation to the content would not have access to an exchange investor redressal forum or arbitration mechanism. INDmoney Global (IFSC) Private Limited,Registered office address: Office No. 507, 5th Floor, Pragya II, Block 15-C1, Zone-1, Road No. 11, Processing Area, GIFT SEZ, GIFT City, Gandhinagar – 382355.