WSJ Tech News Briefing Summary

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Nasdaq Slumps Again
Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Julie Chang

Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the day's biggest tech and market news, focusing on renewed volatility in tech stocks, company performance updates, investment trends, and major policy and regulatory moves affecting industry giants.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Market Sentiment and Nasdaq Decline

• Summary:
  Ongoing investor concerns about the tech sector and U.S. labor market health dragged the Nasdaq down by 1.6%, capping its worst two-day loss since April 2025’s tariff turmoil.
• Memorable Moment:

  "The Nasdaq composite fell again, dropping 1.6% and adding to losses suffered Tuesday and Wednesday, its worst two day pullback since last April's tariff turmoil."
  (Julie Chang, 00:21)

2. Major Stock Movements

• Microsoft:
  • Stock fell nearly 5%.
• Alphabet (Google):
  • Edged about half a percent lower.
  • Company announced it could spend up to $185 billion on AI-linked capital investments this year.
• Memorable Moment:

  "Google's parent company said it could make up to $185 billion of AI linked capital investments this year."
  (Julie Chang, 00:39)

• Qualcomm:
  • Disappointing forecast led shares to drop roughly 8.5%.

3. Cryptocurrency Outlook

• Bitcoin:
  • Price dropped to about $63,000, continuing its recent slide.
  • Major corporate Bitcoin investor Strategy reported a 17% earnings decline.

4. Amazon’s Financial Performance

• Sales:
  • Q4 sales exceeded $213 billion, benefiting from a robust holiday season and strong data center growth.
• Profit:
  • Net profit topped $21 billion, aligning with analyst expectations.
• Investment Strategy:
  • Despite increased AI spending, Amazon is also cutting costs.
  • Expected capital expenditures for the year are projected at $200 billion.
• Stock Reaction:
  • Shares closed down over 4%.
• Memorable Moment:

  "Net profit for the period was more than $21 billion. In line with analyst expectations, the company is increasing AI related spending while cutting costs."
  (Julie Chang, 01:15)

5. Nvidia’s Warning on U.S.-China Export Controls

• Policy Concern:
  • Nvidia told the Trump administration that newly tightened chip export rules are "too strict" and could cripple demand.
• Revenue Impact:
  • Nvidia argued these rules might undermine the government’s plan to seize a 25% cut of foreign sales.
• Memorable Moment:

  "Nvidia is warning the Trump administration that recently released rules governing chip exports to China are too strict and would destroy demand..."
  (Julie Chang, 01:37)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:21] — Nasdaq decline and context for investor angst
• [00:39] — Big tech performance and Alphabet’s AI investment plans
• [00:55] — Qualcomm forecast and impact on chip stocks
• [01:01] — Bitcoin’s slumping price and corporate earnings
• [01:08] — Amazon’s Q4 results, AI investments, and cost strategy
• [01:24] — Nvidia’s objections to new chip export controls

Notable Quotes

• "The Nasdaq composite fell again, dropping 1.6% and adding to losses suffered Tuesday and Wednesday, its worst two day pullback since last April's tariff turmoil."
  — Julie Chang, [00:21]

• "Google's parent company said it could make up to $185 billion of AI linked capital investments this year."
  — Julie Chang, [00:39]

• "Net profit for the period was more than $21 billion. In line with analyst expectations, the company is increasing AI related spending while cutting costs."
  — Julie Chang, [01:15]

• "Nvidia is warning the Trump administration that recently released rules governing chip exports to China are too strict and would destroy demand, people familiar with the matter say."
  — Julie Chang, [01:37]

Tone and Style

The episode is matter-of-fact, brisk, and analytic—summarizing critical business moves and market shifts without sensationalism, while providing just enough context for listeners to understand the significance of each headline.

For More

For a deeper discussion on these topics, listeners are encouraged to check out the full-length Friday Tech News Briefing podcast.