Anthropic's AI Tools Deepen Selloff in Data Analytics, Software Stocks: NASDAQ, NYSE

[Para 1: The Lead] A significant selloff in data analytics and software stocks in the U.S. and Europe intensified on February 3, 2026, following Anthropic's launch of AI plug-ins for its Claude Cowork agent, which automates tasks in legal, sales, marketing, and data analysis. Investors are concerned about AI's potential to disrupt the industry, previously seen as a beneficiary of AI advancements. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] Thomson Reuters, a major player in legal databases, saw its shares drop by nearly 18%, its largest daily loss on record, and lowest close since June 2021. Morgan Stanley analysts noted investors are bearish on Thomson Reuters, fearing it will struggle to maintain growth in its legal segment due to increased competition from specialized AI tools. RELX and Wolters Kluwer, providers of legal analytics, fell 14% and 13%, respectively, highlighting AI's pressure on Europe's software sector. Other professional services firms, including Factset Research, Morningstar, and LegalZoom, also experienced sharp declines. In London, Experian, Sage Group, London Stock Exchange Group, and Pearson saw their shares drop between 6% and 12%. Large-cap U.S. tech stocks, such as Nvidia, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Oracle, also closed lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.84% and the Nasdaq falling 1.43%. Advertising companies, including Omnicom and Publicis, were also under pressure, with shares of the latter falling over 9% after announcing a significant acquisition budget focused on AI and data assets.