Fresh AI jitters shake the market

Core Viewpoint - Oracle's delay in data center buildouts for OpenAI until 2028 raises concerns about investment returns and market stability, leading to increased market skittishness, particularly affecting tech stocks like Oracle and others in the AI sector [2][11][21]. Company Analysis - Oracle is facing scrutiny due to its $300 billion deal with OpenAI, with market reactions indicating sensitivity to any delays in the project [11][12]. - The company has seen a significant increase in data center leases, which may necessitate earlier access to debt markets than previously anticipated [11]. - Credit default swaps (CDS) for Oracle have surged, reflecting market concerns about the company's financial stability and the potential need for financing [12][19]. Industry Context - The broader market is experiencing nervousness regarding AI investments, with delays in projects like Oracle's potentially leading to overcapacity in data centers by 2028 [6][8]. - Investors are wary of the long-term demand for data centers, with private credit managers expressing reluctance to lend in this sector due to uncertainty about future capacity needs [7]. - The current situation is reminiscent of the telecom buildout in the late 1990s, which resulted in prolonged periods of overcapacity [8][9].