Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-02-12 19:57Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock market experienced a decline, primarily driven by concerns over the negative impacts of artificial intelligence on various industries, potentially disrupting business models and increasing unemployment rates [1][6]. Market Performance - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 364.68 points, a decrease of 0.73%, closing at 49,756.72 points; the Nasdaq dropped by 351.67 points, down 1.52%, ending at 22,714.79 points; the S&P 500 index decreased by 66.44 points, a decline of 0.96%, closing at 6,875.03 points [3][8]. - Cisco Systems led the technology sector decline with a significant drop of 11.8% following disappointing quarterly guidance [3][8]. Sector-Specific Impacts - Financial stocks, including Morgan Stanley, faced pressure due to fears that AI could disrupt wealth management services [3][8]. - C.H. Robinson and other trucking and logistics companies saw stock prices plummet by 22% amid concerns that AI could optimize freight operations, negatively affecting specific revenue lines [3][8]. - The real estate sector was also affected, with companies like CBRE and SL Green Realty facing declines due to anticipated rising unemployment impacting demand for office space [3][8]. Software Sector Trends - The software sector, already troubled by disruptive concerns, saw further declines, with Salesforce shares dropping by 2% and a year-to-date decline exceeding 31%. Autodesk shares fell over 5%, with a year-to-date drop of 26% [3][8]. - The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) decreased by 3%, currently down approximately 32% from recent highs [4][9]. Investor Behavior - Increased selling pressure in silver, a popular trading commodity among retail investors, contributed to heightened risk-averse sentiment, with silver futures plummeting by 9% [4][9]. - Defensive sectors attracted investors, with Walmart and Coca-Cola shares rising by 3% and 2%, respectively, leading the S&P 500 sectors, both gaining over 1% [4][9]. Economic Indicators - Following a strong employment report, market enthusiasm waned, with economists questioning whether it would signal a trend in job growth, especially given revisions indicating zero job growth in the second half of 2025 [4][9]. - Traders are preparing for a key inflation report, with economists from Dow Jones expecting a 0.3% month-over-month increase in both the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the core index (excluding food and energy) for January [4][9].