CNBC Commentator Says AI Investment Narrative Is Shifting From Optimism to Risk

The narrative surrounding artificial intelligence investment has entered a new phase focused on risk rather than unchecked optimism, according to CNBC senior markets commentator Michael Santoli, writing for the network's Top News section.

In a commentary published September 15, Santoli described what he called the end of the "youthful phase" of AI as a market theme, suggesting that investors and the public are now weighing the technology's drawbacks more heavily than in earlier stages of enthusiasm.

According to Santoli, artificial intelligence has become "unpopular with the public," a shift he presents as part of the broader change in sentiment surrounding the sector.

Santoli also pointed to growing doubts over corporate projections tied to AI-related order backlogs. He wrote that estimates extending beyond just a few quarters into the future are now considered "suspect," raising questions about the reliability of longer-term revenue forecasts from companies exposed to the AI buildout.

The commentary does not specify particular companies, financial figures, or named sources beyond Santoli's own analysis. It frames the shift as a broader turning point in how the AI investment story is being told, moving from a period of rapid, largely uncritical growth expectations toward one where investors must more carefully assess risk.

CNBC did not provide additional data or third-party commentary in the excerpt reviewed, and the full scope of the article's supporting evidence was not available at the time of this report.