Tech leads losses as Asian stocks track Wall Street sell-off

On August 19, technology stocks experienced another significant decline as investors faced rising bond yields, climbing oil prices, persistent inflation, and dimming hopes for a resolution to the Strait of Hormuz standoff. This sell-off mirrored losses on Wall Street, where firms heavily invested in AI and chips suffered sharp declines, ending a recent recovery in the sector following a tough July.

With the Middle East crisis showing no signs of abating, crude prices surged, further fueling inflation expectations and US government debt costs. The 30-year US Treasury yield hit its highest level since June 2007, while 10-year yields surpassed pre-February Iranian strikes. Tech and chip giants such as Nvidia, Intel, Micron, and Broadcom were hit hard, dragging the Nasdaq and S&P 500 lower.

In Asia, the Kospi suffered a decline of over 5 percent, while SK Hynix and Samsung lost more than 7 percent. Tokyo fell by more than 2 percent, and Kioxia dropped around 10 percent. Shanghai, Taipei, and Manila also saw losses exceeding 1 percent. Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, and Jakarta experienced similar declines. Analysts warn that higher yields will increase borrowing costs for hyperscalers, potentially impacting AI infrastructure companies.

US President Donald Trump's envoy, Jared Kushner, announced ongoing talks with Iran, but Trump denied any discussions on Twitter, reiterating the naval blockade. The prospect of a prolonged oil price rise is causing concern among traders, who worry about potential inflation shocks and the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes. The upcoming Jackson Hole gathering of central bankers and finance officials is expected to provide further insight into the Fed's plans.