IBM's stock experienced a significant 13.2% crash on Monday, February 23, 2026, marking its steepest single-day decline since October 2000. The sell-off wiped out approximately $30 billion in market value. Key Reasons for the Crash Anthropic's COBOL Modernization: The primary trigger was an announcement by AI startup Anthropic regarding its Claude Code tool. Anthropic claimed the tool can automate the exploration and analysis of COBOL, a legacy programming language that powers roughly 95% of U.S. ATM transactions.Threat to Core Revenue: Investors fear this technology directly threatens IBM's lucrative mainframe and consulting business. Historically, modernising COBOL systems required massive teams of IBM consultants working for years; AI could potentially do this much faster and cheaper.Broader Sector Impact: The news triggered a "SaaSpocalypse" fear, leading to a broader sell-off in software and cybersecurity stocks. Major Indian IT firms like TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech also saw drops of 3% toBroader Sector Impact: The news triggered a "SaaSpocalypse" fear, leading to a broader sell-off in software and cybersecurity stocks. Major Indian IT firms like TCS, Infosys, and HCL Tech also saw drops of 3% to 6%. Market Reaction and RecoveryMonthly Performance: Following the crash, IBM's stock was down nearly 27% for February 2026, its worst monthly performance in over 50 years. Recovery Attempts: By February 24, the stock began a marginal rebound, rising 5% as some analysts, including those at Jefferies, called the sell-off an emotional overreaction. IBM's Response: IBM executives argued that translating code is not the same as modernising an entire enterprise platform, which includes complex data architecture and transaction integrity that AI cannot yet fully replace.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a critical point as both nations prepare for high-stakes indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva this Thursday, February 26, 2026. Diplomatic Standoff & The "Geneva Ultimatum" Nuclear Demands: The U.S. is demanding "zero enrichment" and the removal of already enriched uranium. Iran's Foreign Ministry has countered, stating they seek a deal focused on sanctions relief and "mutual respect," while asserting their right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes. Trump’s Ultimatum: President Donald Trump has warned of "limited military strikes" or "very bad things" if a "fair deal" is not reached within a timeframe he recently described as "10, 15 days". Negotiation Outlook: Despite the rhetoric, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian mentioned receiving "encouraging signals" from recent discussions, and both sides are reportedly drafting proposals to present at the Geneva talks. Military EscalationU.S. Build-up: Washington has assembled its largest concentration of air and naval power in the region since 2003. This includes a rare dual-carrier deployment with the USS Gerald R. Ford joining the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Mediterranean/Gulf region. Iranian Response: Iran is reportedly finalizing a deal with China to acquire supersonic anti-ship missiles and has been seen fortifying military sites like the Parchin complex. Tehran warned that any U.S. strike would be met "ferociously" and that all U.S. assets in the region are now "legitimate targets". Evacuations: The U.S. State Department has ordered non-emergency personnel to evacuate the embassy in Beirut due to potential retaliation risks. Other nations, including India, have issued travel advisories for citizens to leave Iran. Internal and Regional Pressures Protests in Iran: A resurgence of anti-government student protests at Iranian universities has complicated Tehran’s negotiating position. Economic Impact: Global oil prices have fluctuated, recently dipping slightly as markets hope the upcoming talks might avert a direct kinetic conflict that could disrupt Middle East supplies. Regional Warnings: Israel has warned Lebanon it would strike civilian infrastructure, including Beirut's airport, if Hezbollah intervenes in any potential U.S.-Iran conflict.
フィリップ・R・ジマーマンはアメリカのコンピュータ科学者および暗号技術者です。彼は世界で最も広く使用されている電子メール暗号化ソフトウェアであるPretty Good Privacyの創作者です。また、VoIP暗号化プロトコル、特にZRTPとZfoneにおける彼の業績でも知られています。 フィル・ジマーマンはアメリカのコンピュータ科学者および暗号技術者で、Pretty Good Privacy(PGP)の創作者として広く認識されています。PGPは電子メール暗号化のための最も使用されるソフトウェアです。彼の業績はデジタルプライバシーのための闘いにおいて重要であり、多くの賞を受賞しています。