Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

DeepSeek’s AI model jolts US tech giants, Nvidia loses nearly £483 bn

DeepSeek, however, faced backlash, with accusations from Elon Musk and others that it may have accessed restricted Nvidia chips.

deepseek-getty

DeepSeek, a startup based in Hangzhou, China, launched its chatbot, which reportedly matches the capacity of US AI leaders but was developed for just £4.5 million (Photo: Getty Images)

US CHIP-MAKER Nvidia led a sell-off in tech stocks on Monday after the emergence of a low-cost Chinese AI model raised concerns about the competitiveness of US firms in the generative AI industry.

DeepSeek, a startup based in Hangzhou, China, launched its chatbot, which reportedly matches the capacity of US AI leaders but was developed for just £4.5 million. The chatbot quickly became the top-rated free app on Apple’s US App Store, surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT.


Shares in Nvidia, whose semiconductors are integral to AI development, plunged 17 per cent, wiping £483 billion off its market value. The Nasdaq index dropped more than 3 per cent, while other major players in the tech sector, including Broadcom and ASML, also recorded significant losses.

Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, highlighted the broader implications, stating, "The focus is now on whether China can do it better, quicker, and more cost-effectively than the US, and if they could win the AI race."

DeepSeek’s success has prompted mixed reactions from industry leaders.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described the development as “invigorating” and noted that DeepSeek’s R1 model was “impressive, particularly given its price.”

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called the advancement positive for the industry but urged caution over privacy concerns.

US president Donald Trump reacted swiftly, describing the launch as a “wake-up call” for US companies to focus on efficient innovation.

He added that such competition could reduce costs while maintaining quality.

DeepSeek, however, faced backlash, with accusations from Elon Musk and others that it may have accessed restricted Nvidia chips.

Nvidia denied these claims, stating the company was compliant with export regulations.

The impact of DeepSeek’s emergence extends beyond the US, with global markets reacting.

European stock indices, including Frankfurt and Paris, fell, while Asian markets also experienced declines.

Key updates on the development:
  • Nvidia’s stock drop: Nvidia shares fell by 17 per cent, erasing £483 billion of its market value, as a low-cost Chinese AI model by DeepSeek emerged as a competitor.
  • Chinese AI model: DeepSeek's chatbot, developed for £4.5 million, challenges the US dominance in generative AI.
  • Global stock impact: Major tech firms like Broadcom and ASML also saw significant stock drops; the Nasdaq fell over 3 per cent.
  • US and China AI race: The launch of DeepSeek’s model raises questions about cost efficiency and competition in the AI industry.
  • Trump’s reaction: US president Donald Trump called DeepSeek’s advancement a "wake-up call" for Silicon Valley to innovate more efficiently.
(With inputs from agencies)

More For You

Primark-London-Getty

During his 15-year tenure, Marchant expanded Primark’s store network to more than 450 locations across 17 countries in Europe and the United States. (Photo: Reuters)

Primark chief Paul Marchant steps down after misconduct probe

PAUL MARCHANT, the head of fashion retailer Primark, has resigned with immediate effect after admitting to an "error of judgment" in his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting.

Associated British Foods (AB Foods), Primark's parent company, announced his resignation on Monday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

Jaguar’s bold gamble: Can it woo young, wealthy drivers with a £123k EV?

JAGUAR’S ambition to seduce younger, richer drivers was on full display in Paris with a presentation of its newest prototype, the Type 00, which promises all-electric luxury... at a steep price.

The low-slung, muscular-looking concept car presented to European reporters last Friday (21) prefigures a production model expected mid-2026 at a base cost of €150,000 (£123,472.8).

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Trump-Getty

Trump has suggested the possibility of a 'great' trade deal that could help the UK mitigate the impact of tariffs he has pledged to introduce. (Photo: Getty Images)

Starmer, Trump talk trade deal progress in 'productive' discussion

KEIR STARMER and Donald Trump spoke on Sunday about ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, with Downing Street describing the talks as "productive."

Since leaving the European Union, the UK has been working to secure a trade agreement with the United States. Successive British governments have pursued a deal, but it has remained elusive.

Keep ReadingShow less
modi-trump-getty
Trump shakes hands with Modi during a joint press conference at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on February 25, 2020. (Photo: Getty Images)

India-US trade talks end with no sign of tariff relief

INDIA and the United States have agreed to move forward on finalising a part of their bilateral trade deal this year, but there was no indication of any tariff relief for India.

Trade discussions took place in New Delhi ahead of the implementation of US president Donald Trump's new trade tariff regime, which includes import levies on India, set to take effect from 2 April.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tesco Clubcard Changes: Update Your App Before the Deadline

The digital Clubcard offers convenience and flexibility

Getty

Tesco Clubcard changes: Customers urged to update app before Monday deadline

Tesco has issued an urgent call for action to millions of its Clubcard users, advising them to update their Tesco Shopping & Clubcard app before Monday, 31 March 2025. The supermarket giant is rolling out an important update to improve data protection and online security, and failure to update the app by the deadline will leave customers unable to access their digital Clubcard benefits.

Update to ensure enhanced security

The upcoming changes are being implemented to enhance the security of customer data and improve overall protection. Tesco has highlighted the importance of this upgrade, as it seeks to safeguard customer information and keep their online shopping experiences secure.

Keep ReadingShow less