AI Disruption: Global Software Stocks Plummet Post-Anthropic Launch

[Para 1: The Lead] Global software stocks experienced a significant downturn on Wednesday, February 7, 2026, following the launch of Anthropic's AI model, which heightened concerns about the potential for AI to disrupt traditional business models. European and Asian software companies, including RELX, Wolters Kluwer, and Japanese developers NEC, Fujitsu, and Nomura Research, saw their shares drop by up to 11%, impacting broader market sentiment. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] The sell-off, extending into a second day, reflects investors' growing apprehension about the long-term growth prospects of software firms. JP Morgan analyst Toby Ogg noted that the sector is now facing a "sentence before trial," with investors expressing a general reluctance to invest. Analysts and investors are worried about competition from AI-native firms and clients developing their own solutions. The selloff also comes amidst warnings from global regulators about the potential for a tech bubble, emphasizing the need for financial stability measures.