Headline: AI Jitters Hit Asian Tech; SoftBank Slides 10% as Crypto Market Sheds $1T
Introduction: Risk-off sentiment swept across global markets as concerns over stretched AI valuations triggered a sharp selloff in Asian technology shares and a deep pullback in digital assets. Traders are closely watching Nvidia’s influence on sentiment while crypto markets grapple with heavy deleveraging and multi-month lows.
Asian equities bore the brunt of the downturn, with regional tech stocks falling about 5% amid mounting AI valuation concerns. SoftBank shares tumbled 10% as chip- and AI-exposed names led declines, mirroring a reversal in Nvidia’s recent rally. The divergence within U.S. equities was notable, with Walmart jumping 8% on robust earnings, underscoring a defensive tilt toward consumer resilience as investors reassess growth-sensitive tech bets.
Digital assets slid sharply alongside equities. The total crypto market cap contracted by roughly $1 trillion as Bitcoin fell below $87,000, extending a November decline of around 21% and sitting roughly 23% below its October peak. Market participants cited broad deleveraging and risk-off positioning—factors not confined to crypto—as key drivers of the move. While some analysts see scope for a Q4 rebound, near-term volatility remains elevated as traders search for durable support.
Policy signals offered little relief. Japan’s $135 billion stimulus package did not lift Bitcoin, which slipped modestly from a prior high near $126,000. For now, the inflation-hedge narrative is taking a back seat to liquidity conditions and earnings clarity, particularly around AI spending plans. Until visibility improves, risk appetite in both tech equities and cryptocurrencies is likely to remain fragile.
Key Points: – Asian tech stocks fell about 5% on AI valuation fears; SoftBank dropped 10%. – Nvidia’s pullback pressured global chip and AI-exposed names, shaping broader risk sentiment. – The crypto market lost roughly $1 trillion in value as Bitcoin slid below $87,000. – Bitcoin is down about 21% in November and roughly 23% from its October peak amid deleveraging. – Japan’s $135B stimulus failed to buoy Bitcoin, tempering the near-term inflation-hedge narrative. – Walmart rose 8% on strong earnings, highlighting defensive rotation amid tech and crypto volatility.
