Stock Market Today, March 30: IREN Falls on Funding Risks for AI Data Centers

By Eric Trie – Mar 30, 2026 at 6:08PM ESTExpandNASDAQ: IRENIrenToday's Change(-9.75%) $-3.42Current Price$31.67Key Data PointsMarket Cap$12BDay's Range$30.76 - $35.9052wk Range$5.13 - $76.87Volume1.7MAvg Vol38MGross Margin26.67%Iren (IREN 9.75%), data center and Bitcoin miner, closed Monday at $31.62, down 9.89%. The stock fell during the regular session as traders reacted to heightened volatility, weaker Bitcoin (BTC +0.89%) prices, and rising concerns about short interest, potential dilution, and the company’s aggressive AI GPU expansion strategy, which investors are watching for clearer profitability and funding visibility.The company’s trading volume reached 41.3 million shares, coming in nearly 7.8% above compared with its three-month average of 38.3 million shares. Iren went public in 2021 and has grown 29% since its IPO. How the markets moved todayThe S&P 500 (^GSPC 0.39%) slipped 0.39% to 6,343.72, while the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC 0.73%) declined 0.73% to finish at 20,794.64. Among data center and bitcoin mining peers, Riot Platforms (RIOT 7.81%) closed at $11.83 (-7.58%) and Mara Holdings (MARA 2.81%) ended at $7.80 (-2.81%), reflecting broader pressure on the group.What this means for investorsIren shares declined sharply due to weaker Bitcoin prices and concerns about funding its AI expansion, highlighting the company’s exposure to crypto markets and capital-intensive growth. While the planned GPU buildout aims to meet rising demand for AI infrastructure, the scale of investment raises questions about the timeline for generating earnings.The stock’s steep decline and high short interest indicate fragile positioning and increased downside risk. The transition to AI data centers is in its early stages and depends on effective execution and financing, with limited visibility into near-term returns. Investors will monitor whether IREN can grow AI-related revenue quickly enough to reduce Bitcoin dependence while managing dilution and funding challenges.Read NextMar 28, 2026 •By Rick OrfordIREN Has a $9.7 Billion Microsoft Contract But Analysts Can't Agree on What It's WorthMar 22, 2026 •By Rick OrfordShould You Buy IREN Before Its AI Expansion Kicks In?Mar 15, 2026 •By Rick OrfordPrediction: IREN Could Be One of the Biggest AI Infrastructure Winners by 2028Mar 12, 2026 •By Rick OrfordBetter AI Infrastructure Stock: IREN vs. Applied DigitalMar 10, 2026 •By Billy DubersteinWhy IREN Limited Plunged Over 20% in FebruaryMar 9, 2026 •By Marc Guberti3 Millionaire-Maker Artificial Intelligence (AI) StocksAbout the AuthorEric Trie is a Motley Fool contributing stock analyst covering technology and semiconductors, healthcare, financial services, and consumer sectors. Previously, he worked in investment analysis and financial writing. He holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Rutgers University. Eric lives in New York City and is an avid sports fan.CMFIdeaMachineStocks MentionedIrenNASDAQ: IREN$31.67(-9.75%)-$3.42Riot PlatformsNASDAQ: RIOT$11.80(-7.81%)-$1.00Mara HoldingsNASDAQ: MARA$7.80(-2.81%)-$0.23*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.