Three separate narratives are hitting the market at the same time:

1. Geopolitical risk: Any escalation around the Strait of Hormuz raises oil prices, which feeds inflation concerns and hurts risk assets.

2. Rates and inflation: If inflation remains sticky, the market has to price in fewer rate cuts. High-growth sectors like semiconductors and AI tend to be the most sensitive to higher discount rates.

3. AI valuation reset: After an enormous rally, investors are demanding proof that AI spending will generate returns. Even strong earnings are being judged against extremely high expectations.

For me, this looks more like a valuation and sentiment correction than a collapse of the AI thesis. Demand for AI compute, networking, memory, and power infrastructure remains strong. The question is not whether AI grows, but whether current prices already reflect too much future success.

If you're a long-term investor, gradual buying during weakness makes sense. If you're a trader, catching every dip can be dangerous when momentum is still pointing down.

My approach would be:

Continue DCA into diversified ETFs.

Keep cash available for deeper pullbacks.

Avoid chasing leveraged products after sharp rebounds.

Watch oil prices and inflation data closely. Those will likely matter more than day-to-day AI headlines.

The biggest mistake is assuming every 10% drop is a bargain. The second biggest mistake is assuming every correction marks the end of the AI cycle. Right now, patience and selective buying seem more attractive than either panic-selling or aggressive dip-buying.