Why Are US Markets Plummeting as Tech Stocks Decline? Investors Brace for Key Economic Insights
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- US stock markets experienced significant declines on November 14.
- The S&P 500 fell by 1.7 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 2.1 percent.
- Nvidia saw a 3.5 percent decrease in its stock value.
- Investors are awaiting crucial economic reports impacted by the government shutdown.
- Uncertainty over interest rates continues to add to market volatility.
Washington, Nov 14 (NationPress) US stock markets experienced a significant downturn on Thursday as major technology firms saw a drop in their valuations, leading to heightened anxiety among investors ahead of crucial economic data set to be released soon.
All major US indexes, which reflect the performance of the nation’s largest publicly traded corporations, closed the day in negative territory. The S&P 500 decreased by 1.7 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite, which features numerous technology firms, fell by 2.1 percent.
The downturn was primarily driven by Nvidia, the most valuable technology company globally, which saw its shares decline by 3.5 percent. This decline follows the news that Japanese investor SoftBank had completely liquidated its $5.8 billion stake in the company, raising concerns about the potential overvaluation of large tech firms after a period of substantial gains fueled by enthusiasm over artificial intelligence.
Investors are also anticipating several reports from the US government that could provide insights into the economy's current state. Some of this data has been delayed or impacted due to the recent federal government shutdown. The Trump administration indicated that the forthcoming October jobs report would lack some critical information because data collection was disrupted during the shutdown.
Additionally, statements from officials at the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, contributed to market unease. They have indicated that inflation remains a pressing issue, suggesting that interest rates may remain elevated for longer than previously anticipated.
Kevin Hassett, National Economic Council Director, stated that today’s stock market losses were largely attributed to uncertainties surrounding potential interest rate cuts.
“The narrative today is that markets are interpreting the Fed as less inclined to reduce rates,” he remarked.
The decline in stock values was mirrored by drops in other riskier assets. For instance, Bitcoin dipped below $100,000 and has plummeted over 20 percent since early October.
Meanwhile, US Treasury yields rose, with the 10-year yield increasing to 4.12 percent, while the dollar showed signs of weakness.