WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Nasdaq’s Worst Week Since April
Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This brief episode provides a rapid update on major developments in the technology sector for the closing week, detailing the downturn in the Nasdaq, global market jitters, a critical video game release delay, and Anthropic’s ambitious European expansion. The core theme revolves around volatile tech valuations, particularly linked to the AI sector, and significant industry moves shaking investor confidence.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nasdaq’s Steep Decline: AI Frenzy and Valuation Concerns

• (00:16–00:50)
  • The Nasdaq suffered its worst week since April due to escalating concerns that enthusiasm over artificial intelligence has led to excessive valuations.
  • Major declines were seen in influential stocks:
    • Alphabet
    • Tesla
    • Various chipmakers
  • The Nasdaq closed the week down 3%.
    • Quote: “The tech heavy Nasdaq has finished its worst week since an April drop triggered by Liberation Day tariffs.” — Julie Chang [00:19]

2. Global Ripples: AI Stock Jitters

• (00:35–00:50)
  • The AI overvaluation worries spilled into international markets:
    • Notable hits to Softbank (Japan) and Samsung (South Korea)
  • This underlines the global scale of investor anxiety about AI-driven growth.

3. Take Two’s GTA 6 Delay Hits Shares

• (00:50–01:16)
  • Video game publisher Take Two Interactive’s stock fell nearly 8% after the company announced another delay for Grand Theft Auto 6.
    • Previous launch was planned for fall, then May, now pushed to mid-November next year.
    • Highlights the importance of blockbuster releases for market perceptions in the gaming sector.

4. Anthropic’s European and Asian Expansion

• (01:16–01:47)
  • AI firm Anthropic is rapidly growing its global presence:
    • Opening new offices in Paris and Munich (first in France and Germany)
    • Adds to existing European hubs: London, Dublin, Zurich
    • European, Middle Eastern, and African markets now the company’s fastest-growing regions
    • Recent expansion into Asian markets with offices in Tokyo, Seoul, and Bengaluru
    • Quote: “Anthropic’s expansion comes as customer demand for its AI chatbot Claude keeps growing in Europe, the Middle east and Africa.” — Julie Chang [01:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nasdaq’s Performance:

  • “The tech heavy Nasdaq has finished its worst week since an April drop triggered by Liberation Day tariffs.” — Julie Chang [00:19]

• On Take Two’s Delay:

  • “Shares of Take Two were down nearly 8% on close. This comes after the video game developer said it would delay the release of Grand Theft Auto 6…now the company plans to unveil the next iteration…around mid November of next year.” — Julie Chang [00:52]

• On Anthropic Expansion:

  • “Anthropic’s expansion comes as customer demand for its AI chatbot Claude keeps growing in Europe, the Middleeast and Africa.” — Julie Chang [01:33]

Timestamps for Main Segments

• [00:16] Nasdaq’s worst week recap & AI valuation concerns
• [00:35] Global tech market jitters: Softbank & Samsung
• [00:50] Take Two’s Grand Theft Auto 6 delay impacts shares
• [01:16] Anthropic’s European (and Asian) expansion
• [01:47] Episode wrap-up

Additional Content Note

A custom content segment from NYU Langone Health and Dr. Paul A. Testa focuses on digital healthcare innovation, emphasizing how advanced tools are improving patient care journeys (not part of WSJ News reporting).

• [02:03]
  • Quote: “If we can make sure we have a right match with the right surgeon for the right problem and the right patient in the right location, all that coordination is a digital matrix that we are doing now.” — Dr. Paul A. Testa [02:09]

Summary

This Tech Minute delivers a crisp snapshot of a turbulent week in tech markets, dominated by anxieties over AI-driven valuations and marked by headline-grabbing moves like Anthropic’s expansion and Take Two’s game delay. The episode concisely underscores how global markets, sector innovations, and investor sentiment intertwine in today’s tech ecosystem.