> the "markets" are anything but rational

No, they are rational. At least those with a lot of money.

> None of the investments going on have followed any semblance of fundamentals - it's all pure instinct and chasing hype

That's not what investments are about. Their fundamentals are if they can get a good return on their money. As long as the odds of the next sucker to buy them up exists it is a good investment.

> AI is basically a toy for 99% of us.

You do pay for toys right? Toy shops aren't irrational?