14:43 - 19.08.2026

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August 19, Fineko/abc.az. A sharp sell-off in semiconductor stocks, combined with persistent inflation and sovereign debt concerns, kept bond yields elevated and dragged Wall Street lower. The semiconductor index dropped 5%, while the Nasdaq 100 declined 1.7%.

The tech sector downturn quickly spilled over into Asian markets. Shares of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix plunged over 7%, while South Korea's Kospi index dropped nearly 6% on rising debt-financing costs for tech firms. Market sentiment was further weighed down as Brent crude surged past $91 per barrel.

Meanwhile, flight-to-safety demand helped gold rebound above $4,360 per ounce.