What triggered today’s software selloff?

A live test showed Anthropic’s Claude building a Monday‑style app in under an hour for a few dollars, highlighting how AI could recreate simple workflows. That raised moat and margin concerns. Investors rotated from workflow‑heavy SaaS stocks toward need‑to‑have software, semiconductors, and equal‑weight exposures, pressuring the Nasdaq 100.

Are SaaS stocks structurally broken by AI?

Not necessarily. Vendors with compliance, security, data control, or deep integrations still have strong moats. The risk is highest for “on‑top‑of‑work” features that models can copy. Watch pricing power, net retention, and AI attach rates. Clear usage‑based monetization and sticky platforms can balance competitive pressure from general‑purpose models.

How can Japan investors reduce drawdowns in U.S. tech exposure?

Use position sizing and simple rules: partial hedges when volatility rises, add only above key moving averages, or trim near resistance. Prefer funds with quality or equal‑weight tilts to avoid concentration. For SaaS stocks, emphasize businesses with hard‑to‑copy value and monitor KPIs each quarter before adding size.

Which metrics matter most this quarter for SaaS?

Focus on net revenue retention, gross margin, sales efficiency, AI attach rates, and customer acquisition costs. They show whether pricing power holds as AI alternatives grow. Also listen for usage‑based plans replacing per‑seat pricing. For Japan names, add churn and SME budget trends to the checklist.

Global Market Insights

^NDX Today: SaaS Rout on AI Disruption, $1T Wiped – February 6

ByDanny Kontos February 6, 2026February 6, 2026

SaaS stocks are under pressure today as AI disruption drives a sharp software selloff. The tech‑heavy ^NDX trades near 25,552, down 1.28%, after a CNBC test showed Anthropic’s Claude building a Monday.com‑style app in under an hour for only a few dollars. That “Claude cowork” moment fueled worries that add‑on workflow tools can be replicated cheaply, threatening moats and margins. Investors are rotating toward need‑to‑have software and equal‑weight benchmarks. For Japan, where many households own U.S. tech via local funds, today’s shift is a clear signal to recheck exposure and risk controls.