Asian markets tumble as South Korean index slides and US tech stocks fall

Thursday saw a broad decline across Asian stock markets, with South Korea’s Kospi slipping more than 4% and Japan’s one outlet and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng also retreating. The downturn was driven in part by a sell-off in semiconductor stocks, highlighted by SK Hynix falling nearly 10% and Samsung Electronics down over 6%. US tech shares added to the pressure, as Alphabet dropped 4% and Microsoft lost 1.1%.

Oil prices remained steady, with Brent near $79 a barrel, while investors brace for Friday’s July jobs report. Commentators suggested the moves reflect profit-taking and risk reduction before the payroll data release.