Nasdaq slides 1% as AI safety concerns, oil price surge hit markets

Wall Street started the week on a weak note as technology stocks fell amid growing concerns over AI safety, while a sharp rise in oil prices added to investor worries.Brent crude climbed 4.61% to $109.22 a barrel at the time of writing. (Photo: Reuters)Technology stocks came under pressure on Monday as concerns over the pace of artificial intelligence development added to worries in financial markets. A sharp rise in oil prices further increased pressure on investors.AI STOCKS LEAD MARKET FALLThe S&P 500 opened 0.8% lower and was heading for its fifth decline in six sessions. The Nasdaq Composite, which has a high concentration of technology companies, fell 1.2% in early trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was down about 130 points.AI-related stocks were among the biggest losers after senior executives in the sector called for greater caution over the rapid development of artificial intelligence, citing safety concerns.Nvidia, a key supplier of chips used to train AI models, fell 3.8% and was the biggest drag on the broader market. Meanwhile, OpenAI will not go public in 2026, Chief Executive Sam Altman said in remarks published on Saturday. He cited safety concerns around artificial intelligence, saying even a 10% risk that AI could cause human extinction by the end of the decade would be unacceptable.OIL PRICES ADD TO PRESSUREAt the same time, rising crude prices added another layer of uncertainty for investors. Brent Crude climbed 4.61% to $109.22 a barrel at the time of writing. Higher oil prices can raise costs for businesses and consumers, while also adding to inflationary pressure. This can make it harder for central banks to cut interest rates.The combination of falling technology stocks and higher oil prices has therefore created a difficult start to the week for global markets, with investors watching both AI developments and energy prices closely.- EndsPublished By: Jasmine anandPublished On: Sep 14, 2026 19:47 IST