January 28, 2025 01:02 GMT
EQUITIES: Asian Equities Lower, Following DeepSeek Rise, Many Markets Closed
EQUITIES
- Asian stocks fell sharply as a global tech selloff, triggered by Chinese AI startup DeepSeek’s rise, rattled investor confidence. Japan’s Topix and Nikkei indices dropped 0.6% and 1.5%, respectively, with chip-related stocks like Advantest and Disco Corp. sliding further. Concerns emerged over the sustainability of high AI valuations after DeepSeek's low-cost model topped Apple’s app store, while Nvidia saw a historic $589 billion market-cap loss.
- The yen strengthened, adding pressure on Japanese exporters, but strategists suggested the market could stabilize ahead of earnings season.
- Australia's ASX is trading little changed this morning, benefitting from its small exposure to tech stocks. Consumer Discretionary stocks are leading the gains, while Real Estate stocks, led by Goodman Group after concerns grow due to their large exposure to data centers, the stock was last 7% lower.
- US equity futures were flat after President Trump announced upcoming tariffs on foreign semiconductors and metals, fueling USD gains. Global attention is now focused on this week’s Big Tech earnings from Microsoft, Apple, and others, with slower profit growth expected amid stretched valuations. Lunar New Year holidays in many Asian markets limited trading activity.
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