Asian Markets Tumble as Tech Stocks Weigh on Sentiment

Asian stock markets closed lower on Thursday (13), pressured by losses in the technology sector, despite Wall Street’s partial rebound following softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data.

Market Overview: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 edged down 0.08%, closing at 36,790.03 points, as automakers and electronics stocks struggled. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 0.58% to 23,462.65 points, once again weighed down by tech shares.

South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.05% to 2.573,64 points, dragged lower by weak battery sector performance. Taiwan’s Taiex posted a steeper loss of 1.42% to 21,961.68 points, with TSMC tumbling 2.33% amid reports that the chip giant is negotiating a joint venture to take over Intel’s foundry division, according to Reuters.

In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite dipped 0.39% to 3,358.72 points, while the broader Shenzhen Composite saw a sharper decline of 1.12% to 2,066.95 points.

Investor Sentiment & Wall Street Influence: Despite a 1%+ rally in major U.S. indices in the previous session, driven by tamer consumer inflation (CPI) figures, Asian investors remained cautious. The numbers suggested that consumer prices had yet to reflect the full impact of the Trump administration’s tariff policies.

Risk appetite in Asia remained subdued as global markets monitored escalating trade tensions. The European Union (EU) and Canada retaliated against fresh 25% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum, fueling concerns of a broader trade war.

Australia Also in the Red: Adding to the regional weakness, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.48%, closing at 7,749.10 points, marking its third consecutive losing session.

With global trade tensions mounting and tech stocks under pressure, investors remain on high alert for further market volatility in the days ahead.