New York, Feb 3, 2026, 19:02 EST — After-hours
- SPGI dropped 11.3% to $468.21, on volume exceeding 6.7 million shares.
- Data and analytics stocks in the U.S. and Europe took a hit amid renewed fears over AI-driven competition.
- Attention turns to S&P Global’s earnings on Feb. 10 and any news on the planned Mobility split.
S&P Global shares fell 11.3% to $468.21 on Tuesday, holding steady after hours following a steep drop in information services and analytics stocks. Trading volume hit around 6.7 million shares.
The drop came amid a wider sell-off sparked by fresh fears that rapidly advancing AI tools might disrupt software and data firms relying on subscription and per-seat revenue models. Gartner plunged 21%, with Intuit and Equifax each sliding over 10%. Across the Atlantic, RELX and the London Stock Exchange Group also took hits on similar concerns. (Financial Times)
Traders flagged a newly updated chatbot from Anthropic, complete with new “plug-ins” that allow AI systems to link up with various tools and workflows, as the spark for this latest sell-off. “Sometimes the market just shoots first and asks questions later,” said Mike Archibald, portfolio manager at AGF Investments. (Reuters)
The S&P 500 closed down 0.84%, while the Nasdaq dropped 1.43%, as investors pulled back from firms vulnerable to AI-driven competition and margin squeezes. “We’re seeing a lot of software companies across the spectrum get hit,” noted Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth. John Campbell, senior portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments, added, “We’ve got an expensive market and expectations are really high.” (Reuters)
The drop in S&P Global was sharper compared to its closest public rivals. Moody’s slipped 8.9%, while MSCI declined 6.9% during the same trading session, MarketWatch data shows. (MarketWatch)
S&P Global’s operations cover credit ratings, index licensing, and market data—revenue streams investors often see as reliable “toll roads.” But Tuesday’s drop served as a warning: that reliability might be under scrutiny now.
The company announced its Mobility unit will adopt the name Mobility Global, Inc after it spins off into a standalone public entity. “Mobility Global is the world’s standard for automotive intelligence,” said Bill Eager, president of S&P Global Mobility and CEO-designate of the new company. The unit covers brands like CARFAX, automotiveMastermind, and Polk Automotive Solutions, the company added. The separation hinges on steps including the approval of a Form 10 registration statement to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. (News Release Archive)
A recent regulatory filing revealed more details. A Form 4 showed that Eager converted 254 restricted stock units — which usually become shares once vested — and had 115 shares withheld at $527.79 each to cover taxes in a separate move. That leaves him with roughly 8,863 shares. (SEC)
The downside risk looms: if customers shift to cheaper AI tools for their own analysis, pricing power could erode fast, despite stable headline revenue for now. Any delay in the Mobility spin-off or a more volatile issuance environment dampening demand for ratings would only deepen the uncertainty.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, investors will get a closer look at S&P Global’s Q4 and full-year 2025 results, due out around 7:15 a.m. ET. A conference call follows at 8:30 a.m. ET, featuring Martina Cheung, Eric Aboaf, and Mark Grant. Market watchers will focus on any updated guidance, timing around Mobility, and comments on AI and competitive pressures after the stock’s drop earlier that day. (Spglobal)
