The post Software stocks face worst start since 2022 as AI fears deepen appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.

Software company shares are experiencing their roughest beginning to a year in quite some time, dashing hopes that 2026 would mark a turnaround for the battered sector. A newly launched artificial intelligence product from tech startup Anthropic earlier this month has reignited investor worries about industry upheaval that plagued software makers throughout 2025. Tax preparation giant Intuit Inc. saw its stock plunge 16% over the past week, the company’s steepest decline since 2022. Adobe Inc. and customer relationship management provider Salesforce Inc. each dropped over 11% during the same period. New AI tool sparks investor concerns Morgan Stanley’s tracking of software-as-a-service companies shows the group has fallen 15% since January began, coming on the heels of an 11% decline in 2025. This marks the sector’s most difficult year opening since 2022, based on Bloomberg’s compiled figures. Anthropic unveiled its Claude Cowork service on Jan. 12 as a “research preview.” The tool can generate spreadsheets from screenshot images or compile draft reports from scattered notes, the company says. Developers built it rapidly, relying heavily on AI technology. Though the product remains unproven, it exemplifies exactly the kind of competitive threat that has been spooking investors. Jordan Klein, who specializes in technology at Mizuho Securities, notes these fears are reinforcing pessimistic market positions that appear increasingly dug in. “Many buysiders see no reasons to own software no matter how cheap or beaten down the stocks get,” Klein stated in a Jan. 14 client note. “They assume zero catalysts for a re-rate exist right now,” he added, referring to prospects for improved valuation ratios. The recent selling wave has widened an already substantial performance divide between software firms and other technology sectors. Concerns about rivalry from emerging AI services are overshadowing qualities like substantial profit margins and dependable recurring income that previously made…

---

Filed under: News - @ January 18, 2026 6:18 pm