Tech Sinks on Iran Fears, Regulatory Heat, Chip Controls

Nasdaq drops 2.4% as geopolitical tensions, social media verdict, and export rules weigh

Tech Market Overview

The Nasdaq shed 2.4% on Thursday while the S&P 500 declined 1.7%, as semiconductor stocks absorbed heavy losses amid Iran war fears and concerns over a helium shortage. Front-month Brent crude surged 5.7% to $108.01 per barrel, adding pressure to growth stocks. Geopolitical uncertainty and regulatory developments drove investors away from tech names.

AI & Semiconductors

US House lawmakers are advancing the Chip Security Act, which would impose stricter export controls on AI chips and require companies like $AMD to adopt enhanced anti-diversion reporting protocols aimed at preventing advanced AI technology from reaching China. $ARM unveiled a 136-core CPU claiming roughly double the performance as it seeks a larger footprint in the AI data center market. $AVGO has fallen more than 24% from December 2025 highs but remains up over 62% over the past 12 months as its role in custom AI silicon and high-speed networking deepens.

Cloud & Software

$CRM shares climbed after the U.S. Department of Labor adopted its Agentforce AI contact center platform. $SNOW saw its price target decreased by 10.71% to $244.49 according to analyst updates. $NFLX is hiking subscription plans to pay for a $20 billion content budget, according to reports.

Big Tech Moves

$AAPL announced it is adding Bosch, TDK, Cirrus Logic, and Qnity Electronics to its American Manufacturing Program, expanding U.S. production of advanced components. The company also plans to open Siri to outside AI assistants in iOS 27, including options to integrate services such as Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude. $META and $GOOGL stocks dropped significantly after a landmark legal decision on social-media addiction, with comparisons being drawn to 'Big Tobacco' settlements. The verdict in the social media trial continued to impact markets.

Looking Ahead

$UBER is partnering with Pony.ai and Verne to launch what is described as the first commercial robotaxi service in Europe, rolling out in Zagreb, Croatia. Pony.ai reported 160% surge in robotaxi revenues and plans to deploy seventh-generation robotaxis in major European cities initially on a small scale before pursuing large-scale commercialization. The combination of geopolitical tensions, regulatory pressures on social media platforms, and evolving AI chip export controls will remain focal points for tech investors.

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