AI Scare Back in the Market: ETFs That Stayed Steady

Core Insights - Concerns about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence led to a significant selloff in delivery, payments, and software stocks, with IBM experiencing its steepest decline in 25 years, dropping 13.2% on February 23, 2026 [1][3] Market Reactions - The SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) lost approximately 1.6%, while the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) retreated by 1%, and the Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) slumped over 1.2% on the same day [2] - Other companies such as DoorDash, American Express, KKR, and Blackstone each saw declines of at least 6%, with Uber, Mastercard, Visa, Capital One, and Apollo Global Management also experiencing sharp losses [4] Industry Analysis - A bearish report from Citrini Research highlighted potential risks AI poses to various industries, contributing to investor unease [3] - Risk analyst Nassim Nicholas Taleb warned that the software sector might face increasing volatility and potential bankruptcies due to structural risks associated with the AI boom [5] - Citrini Research suggested that dominant delivery services could be challenged by cheaper AI-driven alternatives, and AI agents might help consumers avoid transaction fees from payment processors like Mastercard and Visa [5][6] Sector Performance - The VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH) gained 0.8% on February 23, 2026, and rose 2.8% over the past week, benefiting from a rally in oil prices due to U.S.–Iran tensions [8] - The Breakwave Tanker Shipping ETF (BWET) jumped 6% on February 23, 2026, as global shipping stocks rose due to increased freight rates from disruptions in major trade routes [9] - The iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare ETF (IDNA) was up 2.7% on February 23, 2026, and has increased 16% this year, driven by strong performance in biotechnology stocks [10] Investment Strategies - The AdvisorShares Ranger Equity Bear ETF (HDGE) gained 2.39% on February 23, 2026, as it seeks capital appreciation through short sales of domestically traded equity securities amid the market downturn [12]