Stocks Tumble as Tech Investors Pull Back

Global stock markets experienced a significant drop on Wednesday due to concerns over the impact of the ongoing trade war on the financial performance of major technology companies.

Nvidia, a leading American chip manufacturer, announced that the U.S. government would impose restrictions on the sale of some of its chips to China. This marks a significant limitation imposed by President Trump’s administration on semiconductor exports.

Nvidia, known for its dominance in providing chips for artificial intelligence systems, will now need a license to sell A.I. chips to China.

In a regulatory filing, Nvidia disclosed that it anticipates a $5.5 billion loss due to the inability to sell certain chips and fulfill orders. Subsequently, Nvidia’s stock price dropped by approximately 6 percent in after-hours trading, impacting market indexes due to the company’s size.

In Europe, ASML, a Dutch company crucial for manufacturing advanced semiconductors, saw its shares plummet by over 6 percent after reporting lower-than-expected orders for its equipment. The company’s CEO attributed this decline to the increased uncertainty caused by the Trump administration’s tariffs.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index declined by 1 percent, with most European markets showing negative trends.

Major stock market indices in Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan also experienced declines, with companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and South Korean chipmakers Samsung and SK Hynix facing significant drops in their stock prices.

In the U.S., S&P 500 futures indicated a more than 1 percent decrease, signaling a potential downward trend for the index when trading resumes in New York.

On Tuesday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq saw minor losses, but positive earnings from major banks and progress in U.S.-UK trade negotiations helped stabilize the market.

President Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies continue to impact global market sentiment, particularly in sectors vulnerable to additional tariffs or potential exemptions.

A survey by Bank of America revealed that global investors have significantly reduced their U.S. stock holdings in response to the escalating trade tensions, as fears of a recession triggered by the trade war loom over the markets.

Reported by Tripp Mickle and Adam Satariano.