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Wall Street Pauses as Tech Weakness Weighs on Futures

  U.S. stock futures were mixed as investors navigated lingering volatility following a sharp pullback in major technology names. Dow Jones futures showed a slight uptick, while S&P 500 futures hovered near flat. Nasdaq futures, however, continued to drift lower, reflecting ongoing pressure in the tech sector. The recent downturn in high‑growth technology stocks has prompted a broader shift in market sentiment, with traders rotating toward more defensive positions. Concerns about the sustainability of tech valuations and the impact of AI‑driven competition have added to the cautious mood. Attention now turns to Alphabet’s upcoming earnings report, which is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the market’s next move. With investors eager for clarity on the company’s AI strategy and advertising performance, the results could either steady the tech landscape or deepen the current uncertainty.

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Geopolitical Tensions and Rate Warnings Trigger Sharp Decline in Asian Stocks

The recent events have significantly affected Asian stock markets. Here are some key points:

  1. Iran-Israel Escalation: Reports of Israeli strikes on Iran have heightened concerns over geopolitical conditions in the Middle East. The situation escalated after explosions were reported across Iran, with some near nuclear facilities in Isfahan. This development has impacted risk appetite and contributed to the market decline.

  2. Persistent Rate Warnings: Ongoing warnings about U.S. interest rates have also played a role. Investors are closely monitoring rate decisions, which can influence market sentiment and investment strategies.

  3. Tech Stocks Hit Hard: Technology and chipmaking stocks faced steep losses. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (TSMC), a major player in the chip industry, scaled back its expansion outlook for this year. Other tech giants like SK Hynix, Samsung Electronics, Advantest Corp., and Tokyo Electron also experienced significant declines.

  4. Regional Impact: Japanese stocks (Nikkei 225 and TOPIX) were hit the hardest, followed by Australia’s ASX 200 and South Korea’s KOSPI. China’s markets (Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite) saw limited losses due to optimism over stimulus measures. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index also declined.

In summary, the combination of geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties has led to a sharp decline in Asian stocks. Investors are closely monitoring developments and adjusting their portfolios accordingly.

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