Tech stocks struggle on AI spending worries, elevated yields

Asian stocks experienced a decline on Friday, with a potential for a second consecutive weekly drop, as investors grappled with concerns over elevated energy prices, bond market volatility, and the substantial funds required for AI investments. Brent crude futures reached US$103.70 per barrel in Asian hours, following a surge of over 4% the previous day due to Middle East war tensions fueling inflation worries and higher interest rates globally.

US President Donald Trump indicated that the United States would not launch an attack on Iran before November's midterm elections, although traders remained doubtful about progress in ending the conflict. The primary concern for markets is whether Trump adheres to his promise if Iranian attacks escalate, according to Nick Twidale, chief market strategist at ATFX Global.

MSCI's Asia-Pacific index, excluding Japan, experienced a 0.16% decline, signaling a potential over 1% drop for the week. South Korean and Taiwanese markets were closed for a holiday. Japan's Nikkei fell over 1%. Tech stocks, such as OpenAI, led Wall Street's main indexes lower overnight following a report claiming the company's annualized revenue was $20 billion less than previously stated, causing investors to reassess their exposure.

Meanwhile, the bond market has been experiencing a round of fundraising, with SpaceX, Broadcom, and Oracle expected to raise billions to purchase high-end AI chips. Australia's data center operator, Firmus, backed by Nvidia, abandoned its US$5 billion initial public offering, citing market volatility and conditions, and opted for a private fundraising round instead.

The combination of higher energy costs, projected central bank interest rate hikes, and worries about increasing government debts have contributed to a prolonged global bond selloff, driving borrowing costs to multi-decade highs. As long-term yields near multi-decade peaks, investors find it more challenging to value AI growth in a low-cost-of-capital environment.

Chanana, a chief investment strategist at Saxo, pointed out that higher sovereign yields and rising corporate issuance for AI infrastructure have made capital both more expensive and selective, emphasizing the importance of assessing balance sheets and the quality of future earnings.