Yahoo Finance·2026-02-24 14:30Core Viewpoint - A recent Substack post from Citrini Research suggested a potential market downturn driven by AI disruption, leading to significant declines in SAAS stock prices and broader economic implications [1][2]. Group 1: Market Impact - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.7%, with individual stocks like Monday.com and DoorDash experiencing declines of approximately 7% each [1]. - The post outlined a scenario where declining SAAS stock prices in late 2025 and early 2026 could initiate a larger market rout due to AI's impact on the U.S. economy [2]. Group 2: Mechanism of Disruption - Companies traditionally reliant on software services from providers like Zendesk and Monday.com are increasingly able to replicate these services in-house using AI, leading to renegotiated contracts or complete contract terminations [3]. - To maintain profit margins, software companies may resort to layoffs, which could accelerate white-collar job losses and result in wage deflation for remaining employees [4][6]. Group 3: Economic Consequences - The cycle of AI improvement leading to reduced workforce needs, increased layoffs, and decreased consumer spending could create a feedback loop that exacerbates economic pressures [5]. - The concept of "agentic commerce" suggests that AI could undermine traditional business advantages, such as customer loyalty, by driving down associated premiums [5]. Group 4: Job Market Outlook - The post challenges the optimistic belief that AI will create as many jobs as it displaces, contrasting it with historical technological revolutions and highlighting concerns raised by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [7].