Asian tech stocks have taken a beating in recent trading sessions, falling to new lows as investors become increasingly bearish on the sector. The selling off comes amidst growing concerns that the tech-led rally has reached its peak and is due for a correction.
Despite Nvidia's bullish earnings report earlier this week, which seemed to signal an end to fears of an AI bubble bursting, the Asian markets took a hit. The chipmaker's strong performance was overshadowed by a sell-off on Wall Street, sparked by weak jobs data that fueled expectations of a US interest rate cut being put on hold.
The data showed that while more jobs were created in September, the unemployment rate continued to rise, with investors becoming increasingly skeptical about the Fed's ability to cut borrowing costs. The hawkish tone from officials, including Jerome Powell, has already dampened market expectations.
As a result, Asian tech giants are leading the charge, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plummeting by 5.8% and 8.8%, respectively. TSMC also took a hit, falling 4.8% in Taiwan, while SoftBank's Tokyo listing lost more than 10%. The broader market losses saw Tokyo fall over two percent, while Taipei and Seoul were off more than three percent.
The tech-heavy markets are not the only ones feeling the pinch. Bitcoin, which had been trading above $126,000 earlier this month, has fallen to as low as $85,289, its lowest level since April. Analysts say that sentiment in many markets remains highly challenged, with risk assets becoming increasingly sensitive and ready to de-risk.
The yen's recent gains were short-lived, however, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a major stimulus package aimed at easing the pain of inflation on households and firms. The package is expected to add to Japan's already colossal debt, which has raised concerns about the country's fiscal state.
As markets struggle to find direction, there are growing worries that authorities may need to step in to support the yen, with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama saying officials may take "appropriate action" against disorderly foreign exchange moves. The Pinkfong Company, a Seoul-listed firm behind the popular "Baby Shark" YouTube video, also saw its value plummet over 11%, falling below its IPO price.
The sell-off in Asian tech stocks raises questions about whether the AI bubble has indeed reached its peak and is due for a correction. As investors become increasingly bearish on the sector, it will be interesting to see how markets respond to any further developments.
Despite Nvidia's bullish earnings report earlier this week, which seemed to signal an end to fears of an AI bubble bursting, the Asian markets took a hit. The chipmaker's strong performance was overshadowed by a sell-off on Wall Street, sparked by weak jobs data that fueled expectations of a US interest rate cut being put on hold.
The data showed that while more jobs were created in September, the unemployment rate continued to rise, with investors becoming increasingly skeptical about the Fed's ability to cut borrowing costs. The hawkish tone from officials, including Jerome Powell, has already dampened market expectations.
As a result, Asian tech giants are leading the charge, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix plummeting by 5.8% and 8.8%, respectively. TSMC also took a hit, falling 4.8% in Taiwan, while SoftBank's Tokyo listing lost more than 10%. The broader market losses saw Tokyo fall over two percent, while Taipei and Seoul were off more than three percent.
The tech-heavy markets are not the only ones feeling the pinch. Bitcoin, which had been trading above $126,000 earlier this month, has fallen to as low as $85,289, its lowest level since April. Analysts say that sentiment in many markets remains highly challenged, with risk assets becoming increasingly sensitive and ready to de-risk.
The yen's recent gains were short-lived, however, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a major stimulus package aimed at easing the pain of inflation on households and firms. The package is expected to add to Japan's already colossal debt, which has raised concerns about the country's fiscal state.
As markets struggle to find direction, there are growing worries that authorities may need to step in to support the yen, with Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama saying officials may take "appropriate action" against disorderly foreign exchange moves. The Pinkfong Company, a Seoul-listed firm behind the popular "Baby Shark" YouTube video, also saw its value plummet over 11%, falling below its IPO price.
The sell-off in Asian tech stocks raises questions about whether the AI bubble has indeed reached its peak and is due for a correction. As investors become increasingly bearish on the sector, it will be interesting to see how markets respond to any further developments.