Cloud Software Stock Sell-off 2026: AI Agents Trigger Market Disruption and M&A Surge

The tech rally is leaving software behind. While the Nasdaq remains resilient, shares of cloud giants like Salesforce, ServiceNow, and Adobe have tumbled more than 14% to start 2026. Investors told CNBC that they're witnessing a fundamental shift as artificial intelligence agents begin to threaten the traditional enterprise software stack.

Why the Cloud Software Stock Sell-off 2026 is Accelerating

The overriding concern isn't just a market correction; it's displacement. Last week, Anthropic launched Cowork, an AI agent tool designed for enterprise customers. This move has amplified fears that IT buyers will shift spending from traditional software vendors to autonomous agents. The WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund has already dropped over 8% this year, signaling deep skepticism toward seat-based business models.

The M&A Opportunity: Buying the Dip

Despite the carnage, some see a golden opportunity. Orlando Bravo, co-founder of Thoma Bravo, told CNBC in Davos that his firm sees "incredible buying opportunities right now." He believes companies building their own agentic solutions will eventually find value, potentially sparking a flurry of acquisitions as mid-sized firms seek financing or exits.