AI losing momentum: market implications for traders
By Paul Reid
13 November 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been at the core of technological advancement for years, fueling both innovation and market growth. But recent reports suggest that the development of new, more advanced AI models is facing significant challenges. This isn’t just an issue for tech enthusiasts—it's something traders need to pay close attention to. Understanding how these developments could affect major tech stocks and other assets is key to navigating the financial markets effectively.
After years of rapid progress, AI companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic are now grappling with the complexities of diminishing returns. Scaling up AI models to reach human-level intelligence is proving more difficult and costly than expected, causing delays in new AI releases. For traders, these setbacks are more than just tech news—they have the potential to move markets, especially in sectors deeply tied to technology, such as Nasdaq-listed companies.
AI-related assets to watch
The Nasdaq Tech 100 Index (USTEC) has long been influenced by the rapid growth of AI. Companies like Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), and Amazon (AMZN) have been leaders in AI development, and their share prices often react to both advancements and setbacks in AI technology. Recently, reports indicated that Google's Gemini software and OpenAI’s Orion model have failed to meet internal expectations, slowing down the AI hype. This could cause short-term volatility in tech stocks and create opportunities for traders who are quick to react.
Take Google, for instance. Despite being a major player in AI, the development of the Gemini software hasn’t progressed as hoped. Such news can lead to a temporary dip in share prices, giving traders opportunities to buy at a discount if they believe in the long-term vision of AI. As an Exness trader, these are the types of moments where keeping an eye on developments and market sentiment can pay off. Low spreads and fast execution with Exness mean that you can make the most of such opportunities as they arise.
Another key aspect that’s currently challenging AI progress is the cost of development. The AI giants are finding it increasingly difficult to source high-quality data to train their models. While synthetic data is a possibility, it lacks the depth and uniqueness of real-world data, resulting in slower improvements and higher development costs. This resource limitation means that companies might have to rethink their AI strategies or shift focus to other technologies, potentially affecting their stock valuations. Microsoft (MSFT), for example, has invested heavily in AI partnerships, and a shift in focus might trigger investor uncertainty.
For traders, it's important to understand how these tech developments can ripple through the broader market. A slowdown in AI progress could mean less optimism in the tech sector, impacting stock indices like the US Tech 100 Index (USTEC). If the enthusiasm surrounding AI innovation fades, we might see a reallocation of investments from tech to more traditional sectors like energy or commodities, which could benefit from greater stability.
Energy assets, like Crude Oil (USOIL), could see more attention as traders look for safer bets amid slowing tech excitement. Crude oil has its own volatility, of course, but it also has some level of predictability tied to geopolitical events and economic demand. Diversifying into commodities during a tech-sector cooldown is a strategy worth considering, especially if you use a demo account to practice and test out your approach.
It's also important to note that the AI plateau affects the entire ecosystem of stocks beyond just the tech giants. Companies that supply hardware, like Nvidia (NVDA), could also see fluctuations. Nvidia’s GPUs have been in high demand to support the growth of AI, and any slowdown in AI projects might directly impact Nvidia's future revenue forecasts. As a trader, tracking these dependencies can help you anticipate market moves and react accordingly.
Low spreads and efficient execution are critical when navigating such shifts, especially in volatile sectors. With Exness, you can count on tight spreads, which means more of your gains stay in your pocket. During times of market uncertainty, this can make all the difference in executing a profitable trade. Learn more about how Exness's spreads can benefit your trading.
Risk management is also paramount during these uncertain times. As AI hits a plateau and tech stocks face potential volatility, traders should practice sound risk management, such as using stop-loss orders and managing position sizes. A well-placed stop-loss can help prevent a promising trade from turning into a significant loss due to sudden shifts in market sentiment. You can learn more from other traders about how effective risk management made a difference.
The developments in AI aren’t all negative, though. The long-term promise of AI remains strong, and companies are working on improving the efficiency and adaptability of their current models. It’s also worth noting that times like these can present opportunities for undervalued stocks. When markets react negatively to short-term news, it can create entry points for traders who are confident in the company’s long-term prospects.
Conclusion
For traders using Exness, the key takeaway here is to stay informed. Be ready to adapt, and understand how tech developments—both positive and negative—can impact not only tech stocks but also broader market sectors. Whether you’re trading the US Wall Street 30 Index (US30) or major forex pairs like EURUSD, your ability to act on quality insights will set you apart.
The AI industry might be losing some of its momentum, but this also means that traders can capitalize on volatility and look for value where others see uncertainty. With Exness by your side, you have access to market insights, efficient execution, and the tools you need to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Whether it's through a demo account or live trading, Exness is here to ensure you make confident and informed trading decisions.
Don't let hesitation stop you. The market moves quickly, and the smartest traders move even quicker. With the right insights, tools, and a proactive approach, you can navigate the ups and downs of the AI sector—and any other market—successfully. Exness is here to empower you every step of the way.
This is not investment advice. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Your capital is at risk, please trade responsibly.
Author:
Paul Reid
Paul Reid is a financial journalist dedicated to uncovering hidden fundamental connections that can give traders an advantage. Focusing primarily on the stock market, Paul's instincts for identifying major company shifts is well established from following the financial markets for over a decade.