Last week wasn't kind to the high-flying corners of the market. Ten large-cap stocks took a beating, dropping anywhere from 16% to nearly 30% as investors reassessed valuations, digested disappointing guidance, and dealt with sector-wide sell-offs. If you've been riding the crypto, AI, or quantum computing waves, you probably felt the pain.
The Biggest Losers
IREN Limited (IREN) topped the loser board with a 29.3% decline. The crypto mining play got caught in Bitcoin's pullback as investors started weighing potential Federal Reserve policy moves and government shutdown concerns. When Bitcoin sneezes, crypto-linked stocks catch pneumonia.
CoreWeave, Inc. (CRWV) wasn't far behind, dropping 29.75% after the AI infrastructure company lowered its fiscal 2025 sales guidance. The downgrade prompted multiple analysts to slash their price targets, creating a feedback loop that hammered the stock. Nothing kills momentum quite like admitting the growth story needs revision.
Nebius Group N.V. (NBIS) fell 27.37% after issuing fiscal 2025 sales guidance that came in below Wall Street expectations. Missing estimates before the year even starts is never a good look.
Fermi Inc. (FRMI) declined 25.51% during the week, though specific catalysts weren't immediately clear.
Circle Internet Group, Inc. (CRCL) slumped 24.03% following its third-quarter earnings report. The results prompted several analysts to lower their price forecasts, suggesting the quarter didn't quite meet the Street's hopes.
Tech and Quantum Computing Join the Pain
IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) dropped 17.79% as quantum computing stocks faced selling pressure. The decline came amid broader market weakness and a pronounced sell-off in technology and artificial intelligence stocks. After massive gains earlier this year, quantum plays are discovering what gravity feels like.
Strategy Inc (MSTR) fell 19.77%, mirroring IREN's crypto-linked troubles as Bitcoin retreated from recent highs.
Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) decreased 21.14% during the week, adding to the energy sector's woes.
Symbotic Inc. (SYM) dropped 21.9%, continuing a rough stretch for the warehouse automation company.
Oklo Inc. (OKLO) rounded out the top ten with a 16.55% decline after reporting third-quarter financial results that apparently didn't impress investors.
What It All Means
The common thread here? Many of these companies operate in speculative, high-growth sectors that had enjoyed spectacular runs. Crypto mining, AI infrastructure, quantum computing—these aren't boring utility stocks. When sentiment shifts or growth projections get trimmed, the sell-offs can be swift and merciless. Whether this week's losses represent buying opportunities or warning signs depends entirely on your view of these companies' long-term prospects and your tolerance for volatility.