In 2026, the scale of AI infrastructure investments by Big Tech companies has reached unimaginable levels. Major players like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are planning to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI computing this year alone. This massive flow of capital is shaking the entire market.
According to a Bloomberg report, total AI computing expenditure by Big Tech in 2026 is projected to reach approximately $650 billion (around ₩650 trillion). This represents a sharp increase compared to the previous year, driven primarily by a surge in GPU demand and data center expansion. In particular, according to Yahoo Finance, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, announced a capital expenditure plan of $80 billion for 2026. This figure significantly exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, causing Alphabet’s stock price to plummet immediately after the announcement. Investors are expressing anxiety about the continued astronomical spending in a situation where the timing of profit recovery is unclear. There is growing concern that excessive investment in AI infrastructure could ultimately erode corporate profitability. While semiconductor companies and data center-related businesses are booming, Big Tech, the very entities making the investments, are facing downward pressure on their stock prices – a paradoxical situation.
Fortune analyzed this phenomenon, suggesting that AI could actually devour tech companies first. The market volatility is further amplified by the so-called ‘dumb money’ phenomenon, where retail investors jump into a falling market. Ultimately, the AI investment race is not just a technological war but a battle for survival. Companies are caught in a dilemma: reducing investment leads to being left behind in the competition, while increasing it threatens profitability. Whether AI investments can generate tangible profits will be a key variable determining Big Tech stock prices and the market landscape. The second half of 2026 is likely to be a watershed moment.
FAQ
Q: What is the total AI investment by Big Tech in 2026?
A: According to Bloomberg, it’s approximately $650 billion, or about ₩650 trillion. Major investors include Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon.
Q: Why are Big Tech stock prices falling despite increased AI investment?
A: Because the timing of profit recovery is uncertain relative to the massive capital expenditure. Investors are concerned about short-term profitability deterioration.
Q: Which companies are the biggest beneficiaries of AI infrastructure investment?
A: GPU manufacturers like Nvidia and data center-related companies are directly benefiting. On the other hand, Big Tech, the investors themselves, are facing increasing cost burdens.