Global markets dip after tech sell-off

London/New York 

Global stock markets moved into the red today as heavy selling in the technology sector and renewed uncertainty over the timing of U.S. interest rate cuts rattled investors. Benchmark indexes across Europe, the U.S. and Asia all showed losses, reflecting deepening concerns over growth and valuations.

In the U.S., the tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite fell more than 2 %, while major firms such as NVIDIA Corporation and Apple Inc. were among the biggest decliners after reports emerged of softened demand and a large stake sale in a leading Asian chip company. Investors’ hopes for a December rate cut by the Federal Reserve dropped sharply, with markets now placing the probability at just over 50 %.

Europe followed suit: the STOXX Europe 600 declined about 1 %, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 dropped nearly 1.2 % amid weak banking stocks and a sliding pound. In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell around 1.8 % and South Korea’s KOSPI dropped more than 2.5 % as data showed Chinese fixed-asset investment declined by 1.7 % in the first 10 months, the weakest in years.

Analysts say the tech sell-off is part of a broader market rotation from high-growth stocks to safer assets amid weakening global growth signals. “Momentum is shifting,” said a senior strategist. “Investors are starting to question whether the recent rush into tech can be sustained.” Rising uncertainty has also pushed up the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), indicating growing fear in markets.

Adding to worries, the recent U.S. government shutdown delayed employment and inflation data, making it harder to gauge the economic backdrop and increasing pressure on the Fed to tread cautiously. Meanwhile, bond yields edged higher, and the dollar strengthened against major peers as investors moved money into perceived safe havens.

Looking ahead, markets will closely watch upcoming earnings reports from major tech firms, further economic data from China, and statements from the Fed. Some investors caution that if growth concerns deepen, the market may face more than a temporary correction.

For now, the global market mood has cooled, serving as a reminder that even in times of optimism, risks can surface quickly and sentiment can shift just as fast.

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