Japan and South Korea Equities Decline Amid Tech Selloff
Equity markets in Japan and South Korea experienced significant declines, driven by a selloff in technology and semiconductor stocks. Japan's Nikkei index fell, influenced by weakness in U.S.-listed chip and AI-related stocks. South Korea's KOSPI index saw a sharper decline, dropping 4.52% due to concerns over the sustainability of AI-related spending. The market downturn occurred amid mixed signals from Federal Reserve officials regarding interest rate policies. Fed Governor Lisa Cook expressed readiness to support a rate hike if inflation does not ease, while San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly emphasized the need for more data before making further rate decisions. 
