The End of the SaaS Era: Software Stocks Plunge as Walmart Hits $1 Trillion Milestone

 

### The End of the SaaS Era: Software Stocks Plunge as Walmart Hits $1 Trillion Milestone

The financial landscape is witnessing a historic rotation as the so-called **"End of the SaaS Era"** transitions from a theoretical warning to a harsh market reality. On February 4, 2026, the software and services sector cratered by nearly **4%**, fueled by intensifying skepticism over the disruptive impact of Artificial Intelligence on traditional subscription models. Industry giants including **Adobe, ServiceNow, Workday, and Salesforce** each saw their shares tumble by approximately **7%**, while the software ETF (XSW) has now retreated **24%** from its peak.

While technology faces a reckoning, **Walmart** has emerged as the market's new titan, officially joining the **$1 Trillion Market Cap Club**. Investors are aggressively rotating into defensive stocks, seeking refuge in Walmart's digital growth and stable returns amid high volatility. This shift is further evidenced by the **Dow Jones** reaching new heights, supported by gains in **Coca-Cola** and **Chevron**.

The broader market remains on edge as **Bitcoin** plummeted to **$73,000**, its weakest level since late 2024, causing a ripple effect across crypto-linked equities. In contrast, **Gold** has reclaimed its status as the ultimate safe haven, surging past the **$5,000** mark as traders rush to buy the dip following last week's historic volatility.

Corporate shakeups are adding to the uncertainty. **PayPal** shares collapsed by **20%** following the unexpected exit of CEO Alex Chriss and a weak 2026 outlook. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical leader **Novo Nordisk** warned of a potential **13%** revenue decline for 2026 due to stiff competition for its blockbuster drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. As **Alphabet** and **Qualcomm** prepare to report earnings, the market's focus remains fixed on one question: can AI spending finally justify its massive costs, or is the tech retreat just beginning?.

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* **End of the SaaS era and software stock market crash 2026**

* **Walmart joins one trillion dollar market cap club defensive rotation**

* **Impact of AI skepticism on Salesforce Adobe and ServiceNow shares**

* **Gold prices surging over 5000 dollars as safe haven asset**

* **Bitcoin price drop to 73000 and crypto market volatility**

* **PayPal CEO exit and weak earnings guidance impact on stock price**

* **Novo Nordisk revenue warning due to Ozempic and Wegovy competition**