New York, Feb 13, 2026, 11:43 a.m. EST — Regular session underway.
Salesforce climbed 2.7%, finishing Friday at $190.41, as the stock outperformed a more sluggish U.S. market. Investors took in a U.S. inflation report that came in below expectations.
Salesforce stands out among big software players swept up in the market’s recent AI-driven volatility—so when investors adjust their risk tolerance, the stock tends to react fast.
The landscape remains chaotic. Investors have been dumping software stocks amid what’s being called an “AI scare” trade—fresh waves of AI product launches are stoking doubts around the staying power of subscription businesses. Salesforce has slumped roughly 30% so far in 2026, Reuters reports. Reuters
Friday brought a bit of relief: January’s U.S. consumer price numbers came in lighter than forecast, prompting traders to slightly raise their bets on a Fed rate cut for June, according to Reuters. “The trend in disinflation continues,” State Street Markets’ Michael Metcalfe said to Reuters. Reuters
Growth stocks tend to benefit when investors anticipate lower rates, as those future cash flows don’t get discounted as heavily. Still, that tailwind hasn’t managed to halt this week’s wider tech selloff.
Shares of Salesforce moved in a wide range, hitting lows of $184.31 and reaching up to $193.43. Roughly 6.1 million shares were traded, a reflection of the choppy action that’s been dogging software stocks lately.
Size works for and against the stock. With Salesforce holding significant sway in key U.S. indexes, any sharp price swings get magnified as index-linked funds adjust their holdings.
Friday’s advance aside, investors remain on the hunt for more than just another macro-induced rally. The real question for Salesforce: can it keep demand stable and margins intact, now that customers have plenty of fast-growing AI competitors to consider?
Salesforce plans to release its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 financials on Feb. 25, following the close. A conference call is set for 5 p.m. ET that day, according to the company.
