NEW YORK / LONDON / TOKYO, Feb 24 — Global markets slide as a sharp sell-off in U.S. technology stocks triggered losses across Europe and Asia, intensifying risk-off sentiment among investors worldwide.
The Nasdaq Composite dropped nearly 2%, while the S&P 500 declined around 1.3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell approximately 1%, reflecting broad-based weakness across major sectors.
U.S. Tech Weakness Leads Global Pullback
Technology stocks were at the center of the downturn.
Major U.S. tech names recorded notable declines, dragging the Nasdaq sharply lower. Investors cited concerns about valuations, rising bond yields, and cautious earnings outlooks.
The sell-off in growth-oriented stocks rippled through global markets, particularly affecting indices with heavy technology exposure.
European Stocks Follow Lower
European equity markets mirrored the weakness seen in the United States.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell around 0.9%, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 each declined more than 1%.
Technology and luxury stocks were among the biggest laggards, as global growth concerns resurfaced.
Investors also monitored economic data releases from the Eurozone, which indicated moderate growth but persistent inflation pressures.
Asian Markets Trade in Red
Asian indices traded lower following the negative cues from Wall Street.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined nearly 1.5%, weighed down by technology and export-heavy stocks. South Korea’s Kospi also slipped, reflecting weakness in semiconductor names.
Chinese markets were mixed but remained under pressure amid cautious investor positioning.
Bond Yields and Dollar Movement
U.S. Treasury yields rose during the session, adding pressure on equity valuations.
Higher yields often reduce the attractiveness of growth stocks, particularly in the technology sector.
The U.S. dollar index strengthened, impacting emerging market currencies and adding to volatility in global equities.
Currency fluctuations remain a key driver of cross-border capital flows.
Commodity Markets Stable
Despite equity weakness, commodity markets showed relative stability.
Crude oil prices held near recent levels, while gold traded slightly higher as investors sought safe-haven assets.
The mixed commodity performance suggested cautious but not panic-driven investor behavior.
Investor Sentiment Turns Cautious
Global investors shifted toward defensive sectors during the session.
Utilities and healthcare stocks outperformed broader indices, while cyclical sectors faced selling pressure.
Market volatility indicators ticked higher, reflecting rising uncertainty.
Institutional Positioning
Asset managers adjusted exposure in response to bond yield movement and earnings developments.
Derivatives data suggested increased hedging activity in U.S. index futures.
Institutional flows remain sensitive to macroeconomic signals, including inflation data and central bank guidance.
Technical Levels in Focus
Analysts identified key support levels for the Nasdaq and S&P 500.
If weakness continues, further downside could emerge toward recent swing lows.
European and Asian indices are also approaching technical zones that may determine near-term direction.
Outlook
Market direction in the coming sessions will likely depend on:
- U.S. inflation and economic data
- Bond yield trends
- Corporate earnings guidance
- Central bank commentary
For now, Global markets slide reflects synchronized caution across major economies as investors reassess risk amid shifting macro conditions.