Global week ahead: Markets brace for more AI noise and 'scare trading'

Core Viewpoint - The global stock markets are experiencing significant volatility due to concerns over AI disruption, with various sectors being affected as investors speculate on which industries may be impacted by the rise of agentic AI [1]. Group 1: Market Reactions - In Europe, software companies faced severe declines, with Dassault Systemes experiencing its largest one-day drop and RELX recording its worst session since 1988 [2]. - Wealth management firms such as St James's Place, Aberdeen Group, and Quilter also reported substantial losses amid the AI-driven sell-off [2]. Group 2: Analyst Perspectives - UBS analysts indicated that the AI-driven sell-off suggests that disruption is extending beyond just software, warning that markets have not fully accounted for the credit implications, which are expected to escalate through 2026 and into 2027 in the U.S. and to a lesser extent in Europe [3]. - Conversely, Dan Ives from Wedbush argued that the fears of a "software Armageddon" are exaggerated, asserting that established companies like Salesforce and ServiceNow will play crucial roles in the AI revolution rather than being undermined by it [4]. Group 3: Upcoming Events - An important AI summit is set to take place in India, attracting thousands of attendees and featuring prominent figures from major tech companies, which is expected to lead to significant deals and partnerships in the AI and cloud sectors [6][7]. - The event, dubbed the "AI Impact Summit," is anticipated to highlight the growing interest of tech giants in India's large customer base and engineering talent [6][7].