The release of China’s DeepSeek, a groundbreaking low-cost artificial intelligence model, has triggered a global sell-off in AI-linked stocks. Investors from Tokyo to New York are reassessing their positions in technology stocks, as DeepSeek challenges the dominance of established AI giants like Nvidia.
DeepSeek’s Disruption to the AI Industry
DeepSeek, a Hangzhou-based startup, launched its free AI assistant last week, positioning it as a revolutionary alternative to existing AI platforms. The model promises to operate with significantly lower data requirements and at a fraction of the cost of current AI systems.
In a remarkable turn of events, DeepSeek’s assistant has already surpassed ChatGPT in downloads from Apple’s App Store, highlighting its rapid adoption and global appeal.
Stock Market Impact
The announcement sent shockwaves through global markets. On Monday, the Nasdaq opened over 3% lower, later stabilizing with a 2.9% midday loss. Major AI-linked companies bore the brunt:
Nvidia: Fell over 15%, marking its biggest drop in years.
Broadcom Inc: Dropped 15%, making it another major drag on the Nasdaq.
Microsoft and Alphabet: Declined by 3.7% and 2.7%, respectively.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index tumbled 7.9%, eyeing its largest single-day drop since March 2020. The ripple effect extended beyond U.S. markets, with Japan’s SoftBank Group plunging 8.3% and Europe’s ASML falling 7.6%.
AI Investment and Market Outlook
DeepSeek’s emergence raises critical questions about the investment required to power AI technology. According to Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management, this new development could disrupt the AI narrative that has fueled market growth over the last two years.
Jacobsen noted, “If DeepSeek proves to be the ‘better mousetrap,’ we could see reduced demand for high-powered chips, large-scale data centers, and massive energy consumption. On the other hand, it could democratize AI, enabling a broader range of applications.”
The AI sector has witnessed a massive influx of capital over the past 18 months, with investor optimism driving tech valuations to record highs.
Geopolitical and Industry Implications
DeepSeek’s breakthrough has been dubbed AI’s “Sputnik moment” by venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, referencing the Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik in the late 1950s. Andreessen called the R1 model “one of the most impressive breakthroughs” in AI, emphasizing its potential as an open-source game-changer.
Despite this optimism, U.S. sanctions have limited China’s access to cutting-edge AI chips. DeepSeek reportedly used Nvidia’s H800 chips, a reduced-capability product designed to bypass export restrictions.
Safe Havens and Alternative Investments
Amid the volatility, investors turned to safe-haven assets, pushing U.S. Treasury yields down to 4.55%. Currencies like Japan’s yen and the Swiss franc also rallied against the dollar.
AI Stock Performance Snapshot
Nvidia: Despite recent declines, the stock remains up 171% in 2024 and 239% in 2023.
Broadcom, Microsoft, Alphabet: Struggled as investors shifted focus.
Vertiv Holdings: Dropped 27%, reflecting reduced optimism about data center infrastructure demand.
Energy Sector Impact
Power utilities, expected to benefit from increased AI-related energy demand, also saw sharp declines:
Vistra: Down 24.4%.
Constellation Energy: Fell over 18%.
NRG Energy: Dropped 13%.
Conclusion
China’s DeepSeek has not only disrupted the AI industry but also sent shockwaves through global financial markets. With its low-cost AI model challenging established leaders, the long-term implications for tech giants, chipmakers, and energy providers remain uncertain. As the AI landscape evolves, investors and industry players alike will need to adapt to this rapidly changing environment.
