AI challenging software incumbents

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 14, 2026 at 17:57  |  1:34  |  CNBC
Speakers
Seema Mody — Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC

Summary

CNBC's Seema Mody reports on a software selloff driven by fears that AI products are challenging incumbents. Anthropic's AI agent and Apple's cheaper design apps are amplifying competition concerns for Salesforce and Adobe. Analysts also flag Asana, HubSpot, Elastic, and call-center names Five9 and NICE as vulnerable. Catalysts to watch include earnings, software M&A, and OpenAI's next fundraising round.

  • Software stocks led tech downside as AI displacement concerns grew.
  • Anthropic Cloud's AI agent threatens Salesforce's agent offerings.
  • Apple's cheaper design apps pressure Adobe's product lineup.
  • Analysts flag Asana, HubSpot, Elastic, Five9, and NICE as AI-vulnerable.
  • Upcoming earnings will test whether CEOs can defend their products against AI.
  • Further software M&A and OpenAI fundraising are catalysts to monitor.
Ideas
Seema Mody Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC 0:23
AI competition pressures software incumbents.
Software stocks are under pressure as concerns grow that AI is displacing incumbents. Two major announcements in 48 hours—Anthropic Cloud unveiling an AI agent and Apple launching cheaper design apps—amplified competition concerns and rocked software shares.
IGV HIGH
Seema Mody Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC 0:28
Anthropic AI agent challenges Salesforce.
Anthropic Cloud unveiled an AI agent that can automate basic tasks similar to what Salesforce's agents are trying to accomplish, amplifying competition concerns. Salesforce is now down 10% in 2026 and is on track for its worst start to the year since 2022.
CRM HIGH
Seema Mody Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC 0:35
Apple's cheaper design apps pressure Adobe.
Apple launched a studio of design apps that are much cheaper than Adobe's existing line of products, amplifying competition concerns that have already pressured Adobe shares, which have fallen about 26% over the last year.
ADBE HIGH
Seema Mody Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC 0:53
AI agents threaten vulnerable software names.
Analysts see Asana, HubSpot, and Elastic as vulnerable to AI as more tech heavyweights launch AI agents that could displace their software offerings.
ASAN HUBS ESTC MED
Seema Mody Technology and Global Markets Correspondent, CNBC 1:04
AI agents threaten call center software.
Call center software names Five9 and NICE have been front and center among companies seen as vulnerable to AI agents launched by tech heavyweights.
FIVN NICE MED
Up Next
3:27
Wells Fargo CFO Michael Santomassimo on Q4 earnings: Fundamentals looked 'quite good'
CNBC · Jan 14
49:55
Venezuela's Crypto Chaos & Zcash Exodus - The Chopping Block
Unchained (Chopping Block) · Jan 14
2:51
Why the Supreme Court is taking longer to issue a decision on tariffs
CNBC · Jan 14
2:20:58
House committee holds a hearing on advancing America's AI action plan — 1/14/2026
CNBC · Jan 14
10:22
Fed Chair Powell stepping down would be 'an elegant way out' of DOJ probe, says Sen. Kevin Cramer
CNBC · Jan 14

This CNBC video, published January 14, 2026, features Seema Mody discussing IGV, CRM, ADBE, ASAN, HUBS, ESTC, FIVN, NICE. 5 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Seema Mody  · Tickers: IGV, CRM, ADBE, ASAN, HUBS, ESTC, FIVN, NICE