The volatility reflects a broader retreat among producers of metals and agricultural commodities, driven by fears that the frenetic pace of AI model development is hitting a ceiling. Analysts point to Corning’s fiber-optic business as a bellwether for the sector; when the appetite for high-speed connectivity infrastructure softens, the entire supply chain feels the pressure. Investors appear to be pulling back from speculative positions, moving away from high-growth materials as the initial hype surrounding widespread AI deployment confronts the practical limitations of current deployment timelines.