Breaking news

Asian Tech Stocks Retreat As AI Sell-Off Spreads

Technology stocks across Asia fell on Thursday, extending the weakness seen on Wall Street as investors continued to reassess valuations in the AI sector.

The sharpest losses came from semiconductor companies. South Korea’s SK Hynix dropped nearly 10%, while Samsung Electronics fell more than 6%. In Japan, SoftBank Group lost 4.4%, Tokyo Electron declined more than 5%, Advantest fell 2.1%, and memory chipmaker Kioxia slid almost 9%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, also traded lower.

The decline followed a strong rally a day earlier, highlighting the heightened volatility that has become a defining feature of AI-related stocks.

AI Investment Outlook Remains Intact

Despite the market pullback, analysts say the sector’s long-term fundamentals remain unchanged.

J.P. Morgan said recent selling across Asian technology shares does not signal a weakening AI investment cycle. While investors have questioned whether major technology companies can sustain record levels of AI spending, the bank does not expect hyperscalers to scale back their capital expenditure.

“Stepping away from the share price moves, we do not see any fundamental indicators that signal meaningful weakness in the next 6-12 months,” the bank said.

Demand Continues To Support The Sector

A separate report from S&P Global pointed to continued strength in technology demand, driven largely by artificial intelligence and defence spending.

According to the report, global output in the technology equipment sector expanded in July at its fastest pace since May 2021, while software and IT services also recorded their strongest growth in ten months.

The latest market moves suggest investors remain sensitive to short-term shifts in sentiment. Even so, analysts continue to view AI as one of the strongest long-term drivers of demand for semiconductor manufacturers and technology companies.

Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter