Asian Tech Stocks Retreat as AI Investment Skepticism Deepens

The volatility reflects a growing disconnect between long-term AI potential and the immediate economic reality of debt-laden financing. While major players like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and ASML continue to report strong demand, analysts warn that the timeline for tangible returns is stretching. James Ooi of Tiger Brokers noted that sentiment is currently overshadowing fundamentals, driving capital toward more defensive sectors as the broader value chain faces scrutiny.

Market reactions were uneven across the region. Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average slipped 0.7%, while Taiwan’s Taiex dropped 1.0% and the ChiNext Price Index fell 1.1%. Chipmakers faced consistent pressure, with SK Hynix down 1.3% and Advantest Corp. retreating 0.7%. Conversely, South Korea’s Kospi managed a 0.6% gain, partially buffered by improved economic data. Oil prices also retreated from Friday's five-month highs, with Brent crude dipping to $107.80 a barrel, even as geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, and the G-7 continue to complicate the energy outlook.