Tech stocks struggle on AI spending worries, elevated yields

Asian stocks experienced a decline on Friday, with a potential second weekly drop on the horizon, as investors grappled with concerns over rising energy prices, bond market turbulence, and substantial investments needed for AI development. Brent crude futures hit $103.70 per barrel in Asian trading after surging over 4% the previous day due to worries stemming from the Middle East conflict, which has exacerbated inflation and led to increased global interest rates.

President Donald Trump assured on Thursday that the US would refrain from attacking Iran before the upcoming US midterm elections, but traders remained doubtful about progress in ending the war. The primary concern for markets is whether Trump will honor his promise if Iranian actions escalate, according to Nick Twidale, chief market strategist at ATFX Global.

Any hint that the White House is reconsidering military action could trigger a sharp increase in oil prices, especially considering the already precarious tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

In the stock market, MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index, excluding Japan, dropped 0.16%, hinting at a weekly decline of over 1%. Japan's Nikkei also fell by more than 1%. Tech stocks were among the main drivers of the market's downward trend after OpenAI announced its annualized revenue was $20 billion lower than what the company had previously claimed, sparking a negative sentiment.

The tech sector, AI infrastructure, and semiconductors witnessed a wave of losses, with investors potentially reducing exposure following the OpenAI revelation, according to Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone. Investors are now more cautious about where they allocate their investments, focusing on the price they are willing to pay for future growth.

The global bond market has been experiencing a significant selloff, fueled by higher energy costs, anticipated central bank interest rate hikes, and worries about escalating government debts. Long-term yields have reached multi-decade highs, making it difficult for investors to value AI growth in a low-cost-of-capital environment, stated Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo.

Chanana emphasized that higher sovereign yields and the rising corporate issuance to fund AI infrastructure imply that capital is becoming both more expensive and more selective. This development shifts the focus toward the quality of future earnings and the balance sheets of companies. France has been particularly affected, as investors scrutinize the country's debt load, budget deficit, and political climate in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential elections.

French bond spreads remain elevated, with ING analysts predicting a prolonged period of heightened volatility and continued spread widening over the next six months. Meanwhile, the US Treasury markets have remained relatively stable, with the 10-year yield maintaining a steady level of 5.226%, close to its 24-year high. However, this does not signify the end of the bond market sell-off, as ING analysts caution that the market may remain volatile for an extended period.

In currency markets, the dollar held its ground as the euro continued its downward trend for the fifth consecutive week, settling at $1.122 and nearing its 17-month low due to French debt concerns.