Asia’s AI stocks pummelled as bond yields hit pre-2008 levels

Asia's AI stocks suffered a significant setback on Wednesday as bond yields reached levels not seen since before the 2008 financial crisis. Investors reacted to a confluence of factors, including rising oil prices, persistent inflation, and dwindling hopes for a resolution to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Technology firms heavily invested in AI and chips, which had recently seen a recovery, were among the hardest hit.

Notable drops were seen in Nvidia, Intel, Micron, and Broadcom, among others. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 also suffered losses. In Asia, South Korea's Kospi and chipmakers SK hynix and Samsung dropped more than seven percent. Tokyo's Nikkei index fell more than two percent. Kioxia and SoftBank also reported declines. Analysts warned that higher yields could increase borrowing costs for AI infrastructure companies, casting doubt on their capital spending outlook.

As the Middle East situation appeared fraught with little progress, oil prices surged, adding to inflationary pressures and prompting the Fed to consider rate hikes to curb inflation.