REFILE-BUZZ-Data center operators slammed as AI-linked shares tumble

Refiles to fix RIC for Iron Mountain in 4th bullet

** Shares of data center operators, which have seen robust demand from firms leasing space to develop AI technology, plunging on Mon as Chinese startup DeepSeek sparks rout in broader tech space

** DeepSeek rolled out a free model that its says uses lower-cost chips and less data, casting doubt in the profitability of AI

** Digital Realty's DLR.N shares down 11.5% to $159.69, over 3-mth low on Mon, while Equinix EQIX.O falling 7.1% to $874.09, lowest since early Nov

** DLR, EQIX and digital storage REIT Iron Mountain IRM.N, off >7%, are the only S&P 500 Real Estate index .SPLRCR components in the red on the session

** Even with moves on Mon, over the past year DLR up 12%, EQIX up ~8% and IRM up ~50%

** Real estate index has advanced ~7% over the past 12 months