Traders work on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., Feb. 11, 2026.
Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly impacting various market sectors. As this trend accelerates, some companies find themselves grappling with uncertainty.
Recent shifts have hit industries such as real estate and trucking and logistics, both of which have been significantly affected by AI-related concerns, joining the ranks of financial and software-as-a-service stocks that are also witnessing a downturn.
Elon Musk recently suggested on a podcast that office buildings could become vacant as AI technology replaces human labor. This sentiment was similarly expressed in an essay by Matt Shumer, co-founder and CEO of OtherSide AI, who contended that AI might eliminate many entry-level white-collar jobs. If fewer workers are needed, the demand for office leases will naturally decline.
In the freight sector, the effects are even more tangible. AI firm Algorhythm Holdings announced a new tool that it claims can increase freight efficiency by 300% to 400% without the need for additional staff. This announcement triggered a significant decline in the stock prices of trucking and logistics companies.
Jade Rahmani, an analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, commented that “investors are shifting away from high-fee, labor-intensive business models perceived to be vulnerable to AI disruption” in a note released on Wednesday.
However, not all companies are experiencing financial strain. Japan’s SoftBank recently reported a $4.2 billion increase in the value of its OpenAI investment, leading to a $2.4 billion boost in its Vision Fund for the last quarter of the year.
The potential of AI is also a priority for Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Singapore’s 2026 budget announcement. The government plans to establish a “national AI council,” aid businesses interested in utilizing AI, and provide six months of complimentary access to advanced AI tools for citizens participating in select courses.
In other news, CK Hutchinson Holdings announced that it would pursue “legal action” against APM Terminals, an affiliate of Danish shipping conglomerate Maersk if it assumes control over operations at the Balboa or Cristobal ports in Panama. CK Hutchinson currently operates these ports, but a recent ruling from Panama’s Supreme Court to invalidate the firm’s license has been interpreted as a win for the Trump administration.
— CNBC’s Michelle Fox, Sarah Min, Lim Hui Jie, and Anniek Bao contributed to this report.
