DeepSeek V4 Launch on February 23, 2026 Puts Fresh Pressure on Nasdaq Tech Stocks

On February 23, 2026, Chinese AI lab DeepSeek prepared to roll out its V4 model, raising concerns for U.S. tech and semiconductor stocks. The move came as markets were already unsettled by tariffs, geopolitical risks, and Nvidia's upcoming earnings. Some investors fear that if DeepSeek can deliver powerful models at lower cost, large-scale AI spending in the U.S. could be questioned, while others see cheaper AI as a catalyst for broader adoption and infrastructure demand.