Software Stocks Plunge for Eighth Session Amid AI Demand Concerns
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 05 2026
0mins
Should l Buy EL?
Source: Benzinga
- Software Sector Decline: Software stocks fell for the eighth consecutive session on Thursday, marking the longest losing streak since May 2021, as investor concerns about AI undermining demand in the SaaS economy intensified.
- ETF Performance: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (NYSE:IGV) dropped 1.9%, extending its decline to approximately 30% from late October highs, indicating a waning confidence in tech stocks.
- Individual Stock Movements: Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:PLTR) fell 4.4% after an 11% drop on Wednesday, suggesting a diminishing market expectation for its growth prospects in the AI-driven landscape.
- Broader Economic Impact: Bitcoin slid 9% to $66,000, negatively impacting software stocks tied to crypto markets, while commodities also faced broad declines, with silver plunging 13% to $76 an ounce and gold slipping 2% to $4,865 per ounce.
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Analyst Views on EL
Wall Street analysts forecast EL stock price to rise
18 Analyst Rating
8 Buy
9 Hold
1 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 106.420
Low
70.00
Averages
106.76
High
130.00
Current: 106.420
Low
70.00
Averages
106.76
High
130.00
About EL
The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. is a manufacturer, marketer and seller of skin care, makeup, fragrance and hair care products. Its product categories include skin care, makeup, fragrance, hair care and others. Its products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under a number of brand names, including Estee Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M.A.C, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, La Mer, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle, GLAMGLOW, Kilian Paris, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, and the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD. It is a licensee for fragrances, cosmetics and/or related products for AERIN, BALMAIN, and Dr. Andrew Weil. Its skin care products include moisturizers, serums, cleansers, toners, exfoliators, facial masks, body care, sun care products and others. Its makeup products include lipsticks, lip glosses, mascaras, foundations and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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