In this article, we will discuss the 10 Worst Performing NASDAQ Stocks So Far in 2026.
On May 11, Dan Niles, Niles Investment Management Founder, joined CNBC’s ‘The Exchange’ to discuss the current behavior of technology stocks in the context of historical market bubbles. While the host notes that current earnings and cash flows are far superior to the Pets.com era of the 1990s, Niles maintained that there are distinct similarities to the late-stage internet build-out. He pointed out that after Netscape Navigator launched in late 1994, the NASDAQ rose 109% over the next 3 years, followed by massive gains of 40% in year 4 and 86% in year 5. Comparing this to the current era, he noted that since ChatGPT’s release at the end of 2022, the NASDAQ is already up 122%. Niles suggested that while the market may be in a bubble, it could continue to inflate a lot more before reaching its end, predicting at least one more strong year for the sector.
Niles identified a fundamental shift in AI technology as a primary driver of current market strength. He pointed to the finalization of OpenClaw on January 30th as a major catalyst that ushered in agentic AI. He differentiated this from traditional chat-based AI, explaining that while chat-based models simply provide answers to questions, agentic AI can perform complex tasks. This shift to agentic systems requires 10x to 100x more compute power. This is reflected in token generation data; Niles reported that token growth jumped from 20% in the two months before OpenClaw’s finalization to over 120% in the two months following it. He expects this major step change in token generation to support strong growth through the beginning of next year.
Our Methodology
We used screeners to identify NASDAQ stocks that have exhibited low year-to-date performance, and limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds. The stocks are ranked in descending order of their share price performance.
Note: All data was sourced on May 12.
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10 Worst Performing NASDAQ Stocks So Far in 2026
10. Cyabra Inc. (NASDAQ:CYAB)
Year-to-Date Performance: -96.22%
Cyabra Inc. (NASDAQ:CYAB) is one of the worst performing NASDAQ stocks so far in 2026. On April 14, Cyabra signed an expanded two-year renewal agreement valued in the six figures with a leading management firm. The contract extends the company’s existing relationship to provide monitoring and protection services for high-profile individuals and their associated teams. Under the new terms, Cyabra will integrate real-time narrative intelligence and authenticity analysis to combat emerging digital threats.
The enhanced scope specifically targets the detection of impersonation, deepfakes, and AI-generated misinformation that can jeopardize reputations and commercial partnerships. By using AI-powered monitoring, the platform identifies inauthentic behavior and coordinated disinformation campaigns across social media and digital channels. This intelligence provides management teams with the evidence necessary to facilitate proactive alerts and takedown decisions.
CEO Dan Brahmy highlighted that the expansion addresses an escalating need for defense against GenAI-manipulated content. The company’s platform is designed to neutralize harmful narratives before they gain traction, protecting stakeholder trust and brand integrity. Cyabra Inc. (NASDAQ:CYAB) expects continued growth in demand for these authenticity verification services as the digital threat landscape for high-profile entities becomes increasingly complex.
Cyabra Inc. (NASDAQ:CYAB) provides enterprises and governments with tools to identify and mitigate manipulated online content, coordinated inauthentic behavior, and narrative distortion. The platform delivers evidence-based insights that enable teams to take swift, proportionate action against digital threats.
9. Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP)
Year-to-Date Performance: -96.83%
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) is one of the worst performing NASDAQ stocks so far in 2026. On April 27, Aspire Biopharma authorized a $5 million share repurchase program using existing cash. The board initiated the buyback due to confidence in the company’s financial strength, its drug development pipeline, and the potential value of its pending acquisition of Dura Driver Control Systems.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) recently strengthened its position by securing $21 million in financing and regaining NASDAQ compliance. These milestones support a capital strategy focused on shareholder returns, portfolio diversification through the “Buzz Bomb” supplement line, and disciplined business development.
Clinical efforts remain centered on patent-pending sublingual delivery technology, with an NDA filing for its lead aspirin candidate expected in late 2026. Aspire is also developing sublingual versions of several generic medications and expanding its intellectual property across multiple drug classes.
Aspire Biopharma Holdings (NASDAQ:ASBP) is an early-stage company specializing in disruptive sublingual delivery mechanisms for faster-acting drug administration. Its portfolio includes soluble aspirin for cardiology and pain management, alongside a pipeline of formulations ranging from vitamins and hormones to semaglutide and pre-workout supplements.
8. VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ:VCIG)
Year-to-Date Performance: -97.45%
VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ:VCIG) is one of the worst performing NASDAQ stocks so far in 2026. On May 7, VCI Global entered a binding term sheet for a strategic investment in a Brazilian gold mining asset estimated to contain 59.9 tonnes of gold. The company will act as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction partner and holds an option to acquire a majority 51% stake.
This investment aligns with VCI Global’s strategy to integrate physical commodities into its Real-World Asset/RWA) and digital asset infrastructure. The project is currently in the early development phase, with future progression dependent on technical validation, permitting, and financing.
The transaction features a phased capital deployment plan to fund necessary technical studies. While specific details regarding the asset and counterparties remain confidential for strategic reasons, the move reflects the company’s broader focus on using AI-native platforms to optimize capital allocation across diverse sectors.
VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ:VCIG) is an AI-native operating platform that optimizes business growth through centralized intelligence, data governance, and capital discipline. Its model enables subsidiaries to scale efficiently across diverse industries by focusing on execution, productivity, and long-term value creation.
7. EZGO Technologies (NASDAQ:EZGO)
Year-to-Date Performance: -97.96%
EZGO Technologies (NASDAQ:EZGO) is one of the worst performing NASDAQ stocks so far in 2026. On April 21, EZGO Technologies secured the official real estate ownership certificate for its self-built manufacturing facility in Changzhou, China. This certification confirms that the 36,547-square-meter complex complies with all regulatory requirements and grants the company legal operational rights for the next 50 years. The facility consists of seven reinforced-concrete buildings, including five multi-storey production units and two support structures.
The complex is engineered to significantly scale EZGO’s output, with a planned annual capacity of 100,000 intelligent electric two-wheeled vehicles and 5,000 unmanned service patrol vehicles. Additionally, the site will support the production of 0.5 GWh of graphene-based lightweight power lithium batteries. By integrating R&D and manufacturing, the facility serves as the primary hub for the company’s intelligent mobility and energy storage businesses.
With full legal title confirmed, EZGO Technologies (NASDAQ:EZGO) is transitioning to the equipment installation and production line commissioning phase. Commercial operations are targeted to begin later this year. Management expects the new facility to improve operational efficiency, strengthen manufacturing capabilities, and accelerate product innovation across its electric mobility and battery portfolios.
EZGO Technologies (NASDAQ:EZGO) operates an IoT-driven platform specializing in the design, manufacturing, and sale of electric mobility products and intelligent robots. Their business model also encompasses critical components and infrastructure, including batteries, electronic control systems, and charging facilities.
6. Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCT)
Year-to-Date Performance: -98.41%
Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCT) is one of the worst performing NASDAQ stocks so far in 2026. On May 8, Creative Media & Community Trust reported a Q1 2026 net loss attributable to common stockholders of $34.7 million, or $70.52 per diluted share. The results reflect the retroactive impact of two separate 1-for-10 reverse stock splits executed in March and April.
The real estate portfolio showed a mix of operational gains and ongoing challenges. Multifamily occupancy improved to 91.4% (excluding a new Echo Park lease-up), while the office portfolio stood at 73.1% leased. Performance in the office segment remained bifurcated; excluding a single underperforming Oakland asset, the office portfolio was 85.7% leased. In the hotel segment, the company completed a large-scale renovation of its 505-room property to position it for improved performance throughout the remainder of the year.
Strategic initiatives focused on liquidity and balance sheet strengthening, highlighted by the January 2026 sale of the “First Western” lending business for ~$44.9 million. Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCT) has now retired its recourse credit facility and redeemed a total of $396.2 million in preferred stock since late 2024.
Creative Media & Community Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCT) is a real estate investment trust specializing in premier multifamily and creative office assets across the US. The company focuses on dynamic markets catering to the tech, media, and entertainment sectors while also maintaining hospitality interests.
While we acknowledge the potential of CMCT to grow, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CMCT and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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