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News · Equities · BBC Business · Fri, Oct 30, 2026 3:00 PM

US tech shares tumble as AI cost worries hit Nasdaq

Image from the source feed · BBC Business

Intel shares slide as AI spending worries weigh on Nasdaq, which opens at a two-month low.

AI cost concerns drive tech sell‑off

Intel shares have continued to slide, contributing to a broader sell‑off in U.S. technology stocks. The Nasdaq Composite opened at its lowest level in more than two months, signaling a sharp decline across the tech‑heavy index.

Investors cite rising costs associated with artificial‑intelligence development as a key driver of the downturn. Firms that are investing heavily in AI infrastructure face higher capital expenditures, which can compress profit margins and raise valuation concerns. The surge in AI spending has prompted analysts to reassess growth expectations, as higher costs may offset the revenue upside from AI‑driven products.

With the Nasdaq’s weak opening, other technology names such as Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and cloud‑service providers are likely to see similar pressure. The sector’s heavy weighting means that declines in a few large caps can pull the index lower.

Market participants will watch forthcoming earnings releases for guidance on cost control and AI‑related revenue growth. Any indication that firms can curb spending or generate higher returns from AI initiatives could temper the current sell‑off. Additionally, investors may look for signs that companies can translate AI investments into sustainable earnings growth.

Beyond equities, the decline may influence related asset classes, including semiconductor ETFs and cloud‑infrastructure funds, as investors reassess the risk‑reward profile of technology‑heavy portfolios.

Based on reporting from BBC Business. Read the original.

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Market impact

The decline may lead investors to reassess risk in high-growth technology stocks, especially those with significant AI spend. Traders may watch upcoming earnings for evidence of cost containment and AI-related revenue growth. Semiconductor and cloud-service sectors could experience heightened volatility as the market digests the cost-pressure narrative.

General market context for education only, not investment advice.

This briefing was summarized with automated tools from public reporting by BBC Business and is general market information, not investment advice. Editorial policy & corrections