As Tech Lags and China Fluctuates, Asian Stocks Decline – Asia Market Wrap

Asian stocks fell as investors considered if the AI surge has sustainability. Chinese markets fluctuated ahead of Thursday’s press briefing.

MSCI’s Asia Pacific Index declined for the third straight session, with chip companies including SK Hynix and Samsung falling after a bleak forecast from crucial equipment supplier ASML US stock futures nudged higher, as European equities dropped. Treasuries traded steadily in Asia.

Chinese stock volatility has been strong since late September, when the central bank’s sequence of stimulus measures triggered a rush of confidence that is now rapidly cooling. Expectations are rising to see if authorities are willing to use more firepower to turn around the economy and markets.

In the States, the S&P 500 fell to about 5,815 while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.4%. The Dollar remained stable after reaching its highest level in roughly two months after former President Trump defended proposals to significantly hike tariffs on foreign imports. Separately, Fed’s Bostic said he expected the US economy to decelerate this year but remain healthy, adding that the downward path for inflation may encounter some bumps.