Asian stock markets delivered mixed performances on June 24, 2026. Following the sharp sell-off that hit technology stocks in recent trading sessions, markets attempted to stabilize, with Hong Kong and Seoul posting gains while Tokyo ended the day in negative territory. The region's major indices closed as follows:
- Nikkei 225 (Japan): 69,174.77 points (-0.88%)
- Hang Seng (Hong Kong): 23,458.72 points (+0.53%)
- Shanghai Composite (China): 4,110.14 points (+0.11%)
- Kospi (South Korea): 8,471.23 points (+3.26%)
The session followed a significant correction in artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related stocks, which had triggered heavy losses across several Asian markets, particularly in South Korea and Japan.
Technology sector remains under pressure
The weakness in the global technology sector continued to shape market sentiment across Asia. Selling pressure originating from Wall Street weighed on semiconductor and AI-related companies, prompting profit-taking after months of strong gains. Key factors influencing trading activity included:
- Ongoing correction in global technology stocks;
- Volatility among Asian semiconductor manufacturers;
- Investor focus on upcoming U.S. PCE inflation data;
- Uncertainty surrounding future Federal Reserve policy decisions.
In South Korea, the market staged a partial rebound after suffering a nearly 10% decline in the previous session. Nevertheless, major semiconductor companies continue to experience elevated volatility, reflecting growing investor caution regarding sector valuations.
Market participants are increasingly reassessing the long-term sustainability of the AI investment boom and the actual returns that large-scale spending plans announced by major technology companies may generate in the coming years.
Geopolitics, oil prices, and the Federal Reserve drive market direction
On the geopolitical front, investor attention remains focused on developments in the Middle East. Progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran has helped ease concerns about potential disruptions to global energy supplies, contributing to lower oil prices. Among the main macroeconomic drivers currently monitored by investors are:
- Ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran;
- Shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz;
- Oil price movements;
- The upcoming release of the U.S. PCE inflation index;
- Expectations regarding future U.S. interest rate policy.
The decline in crude oil prices has supported market sentiment, although caution persists ahead of key U.S. inflation data that could provide fresh clues about the Federal Reserve's next moves.
While market consensus still expects interest rates to remain unchanged in the near term, investors are closely watching for signs that inflationary pressures may prove more persistent than anticipated.
Overall, June 24 closed with Asian markets remaining fragile but less nervous than in previous sessions. Volatility remains elevated, and investor focus continues to center on the balance between technological growth, U.S. monetary policy, and global geopolitical risks.
Andrea Pelucchi