(Feb 4): Asian software stocks slid, extending a global selloff as investors fret that rapid advances in artificial intelligence could upend traditional business models. Elsewhere in the region, losses were concentrated in software as Asia’s broader tech sector remains dominated by hardware makers — particularly chipmakers — that have been key beneficiaries of the AI investment boom. Anthropic PBC’s launch of a new tool to help automate some legal work sank a swath of software makers and financial service providers on Tuesday in the US, where AI displacement fears have weighed on the broader market. Elsewhere, losses were concentrated in smaller software names, including Japan’s Rakus Co, which tumbled 14% amid disruption fears. “Pure software in Hong Kong and China remains a relatively small component of market indices compared to the US and Europe,” said Allspring’s Tan.

Source: The Edge Markets February 04, 2026 05:07 UTC