What’s News in Markets: Paramount’s Win, Private Credit Carnage, Block Layoffs

Speaker 00:00

When was the last time you went on a journey that changed you? At a time when booking trips has never been easier, discerning travelers are looking to in-the-know experts for deeper, richer experiences. That's why so many turn to luxury travel specialist Abercrombie & Kent for trips that run from active adventures to wilderness escapes to create memories that last a lifetime. To find out more, visit abercrombiekent.com.

Jack Pitcher· Host0:25

Hey, listeners, Your Money Briefing is on a break, but it will be back with more personal finance information for you in the future. Until then, here's the news moving markets this week. [upbeat music] Hey, listeners. It's Saturday, February 28th. I'm Jack Pitcher for the Wall Street Journal, and this is What's News in Markets, our look at the biggest stock moves of the week and the news that drove them. Let's get to it. AI was in focus once again this week, and it feels like investors don't know what to make of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence models. AI optimism has been one of the biggest drivers of market gains the past few years. But in 2026, traders are thinking more about what threats it could pose. That tension came to a head on Monday when everyone on Wall Street was talking about a viral blog post from a small investment research firm that imagined an AI doomsday scenario for white collar workers. Stock indexes sold off sharply Monday, and analysts pointed to the memo as a prime culprit. By the end of the week, indexes had posted