ChatGPT’s Third Anniversary: AI Boom Fuels Market Recovery as Job Openings Decline

Three years after ChatGPTs launch on November 30, 2022, the AI boom has driven a 74% S&P 500 surge amid economic shifts, including reduced job openings and infrastructure expansions in data centers and power grids, reshaping markets from a post-COVID low.

• S&P 500 rose 74% since ChatGPT debut, highlighting investor gains in AI-driven tech stocks.
• Job openings fell 30% over the same period, reflecting tighter labor markets and policy impacts.
• U.S. infrastructure investments surged in AI-related sectors like data centers, with OpenAIs valuation climbing from $14 billion to around $500 billion.

What has been the market impact three years after ChatGPTs launch？

Three years after ChatGPTs launch on November 30, 2022, markets have undergone transformative changes, with the S&P 500 climbing nearly 74% from its post-launch levels. This surge emerged from a backdrop of economic recovery, aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes, and a booming AI sector that propelled valuations for companies like OpenAI. The shift marked a K-shaped economy, benefiting capital owners while challenging wage earners amid declining job openings.

How did Federal Reserve policies influence hiring trends post-ChatGPT？

The Federal Reserves interest rate hikes, starting in March 2022, aimed to combat inflation peaking at 40-year highs by increasing borrowing costs, which slowed business expansions and consumer spending. Job openings, which reached a record 11.5 million in March 2022 according to JOLTS data, declined to 7.18 million by August 2025 as hiring cooled. By September 2025, the Fed began rate cuts to support a softening labor market and prevent rising unemployment. Trade policies under President Donald Trump, including tariffs and stricter immigration rules, added pressure; a study by the National Foundation for American Policy projected a potential 15 million worker shortfall over the next decade, trimming annual economic growth by nearly one-third. These factors, rather than AI directly, drove the hiring downturn, as noted by journalist Derek Thompson in his analysis.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat was the stock market‘s lowest point before ChatGPT’s release？

On October 12, 2022, the S&P 500 hit its post-COVID bottom, down 25% from its January peak amid high inflation and tech sector declines. Major stocks like Nvidia and Meta fell nearly 70%, while Apple dropped almost 30%, setting a turbulent stage for the AI-driven rebound.

How has OpenAIs valuation changed since launching ChatGPT？

OpenAI‘s valuation has skyrocketed from about $14 billion in mid-2021 to approximately $500 billion today, positioning it among the world’s top 20 most valuable companies. This growth stems from ChatGPTs conversational AI capabilities, which enable interactive dialogues, error admissions, and user feedback integration, fueling investor enthusiasm in the AI sector.

Key Takeaways

• AI Boom Drives Market Recovery: The S&P 500‘s 74% gain since November 2022 underscores AI’s role in lifting tech stocks from pandemic lows, despite initial doubts from economic headwinds.
• Policy Over Technology in Hiring Shifts: Job openings dropped 30% due to Fed rate hikes and immigration policies, not AI displacement, peaking before ChatGPTs debut in March 2022.
• Infrastructure Investments Accelerate: Expansions in power grids and data centers signal long-term AI growth, urging investors to monitor supply chain developments for sustained opportunities.

Conclusion

Three years after ChatGPTs launch, the AI market impact continues to define economic trajectories, from soaring stock indices to evolving labor dynamics influenced by Federal Reserve policies and trade strategies. As infrastructure buildouts in data centers and supply chains progress, the K-shaped recovery highlights widening gaps between investors and workers. Looking ahead, staying informed on these Fed tightening effects and AI advancements will be crucial for navigating future market resets—consider how these trends align with your investment approach today.