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Software Sell-Off Highlights Tech Volatility

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, January 13th 2026 at 15:54 GMT by CNBC

The Context of the Downturn

The recent software sell-off underscores the inherent volatility within the technology sector. Investor sentiment, heavily influenced by high-profile earnings releases like Microsoft's, can rapidly shift, leading to sharp corrections. This event serves as a reminder that even seemingly invincible tech giants are not immune to market scrutiny and that perceived weakness can trigger widespread selling pressure. This is particularly relevant in a market increasingly driven by narratives and short-term gains.

The Value Investing Philosophy: A Safe Harbor?

Salzinger and Roth's success during this turbulent period highlights the enduring appeal of value investing. Their core principles revolve around identifying companies with strong fundamentals--reasonable growth potential, solid balance sheets (Salzinger's emphasis), and a margin of safety--rather than chasing speculative growth stocks. Roth, specifically focusing on dividend-paying companies, adds another layer of stability, seeking income while prioritizing financial prudence. He cautioned against being swayed by "hype," a common pitfall for investors caught up in market enthusiasm.

Salzinger's statement, "We're not going to chase anything," encapsulates this approach. It's a mantra for resisting the temptation to pile into trending stocks simply because they've recently seen significant gains. Instead, it prioritizes in-depth research and a long-term perspective.

Spotlight on Stock Picks

Both managers shared their current investment preferences, providing a tangible illustration of their investment philosophies:

• Mark Salzinger (Palisade Capital): Salzinger's picks reflect a belief in the continued strength of cloud-based solutions. He maintains a bullish stance on Datadog (DDOG), a cloud monitoring platform, showcasing confidence in its ability to capitalize on ongoing cloud adoption. His enthusiasm for MongoDB (MDB), a database company, suggests a belief in the vital role of data management in the digital economy.
• John Roth (Buckingham Asset Management): Roth's selections, geared towards income and stability, lean towards established players. Oracle (ORCL)'s dividend and perceived stability make it an attractive choice in uncertain times. Similarly, Salesforce (CRM)'s inclusion on Roth's list is justified by its dividend payouts and robust financial health.

The Importance of Due Diligence

The recurring theme throughout the discussion was the vital importance of thorough research. Salzinger's advice - "The key to investing is to do your homework...Understand the companies you're buying" - is a fundamental tenet of responsible investing. It's a call for investors to move beyond superficial metrics and delve into a company's financials, business model, competitive landscape, and management team.

Looking Ahead

The recent software sell-off serves as a valuable lesson for all investors. While technology offers tremendous opportunities for growth, it's also prone to significant volatility. The strategies employed by Salzinger and Roth offer a potential roadmap for navigating these challenging markets: prioritize value, focus on fundamentals, and always conduct thorough research before making investment decisions. Dismissing the fear and adhering to a well-defined investment process can prove crucial in weathering market storms and achieving long-term financial success.