The market turbulence extended well beyond the US, causing significant damage to Asian equities. South Korea's Kospi index dropped more than 7%, while the Nikkei retreated 5%. Investors initially sought safety in Treasuries following the inflation report, but yields eventually pulled back as the broader technology sector faced intense scrutiny. The shift reflects deep-seated anxiety regarding the sustainability of the AI investment boom, specifically among the most leveraged firms.
Coreweave and Oracle have become the focal point of this instability. Coreweave’s credit default swaps surged past 1,000 basis points, signaling extreme investor caution regarding the company's financial health. This pressure is compounded by a string of underwhelming bank earnings, which have further weighed on the S&P 500. Meanwhile, global energy markets remain strained; Brent crude holds near $104 a barrel as geopolitical friction in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine threaten to disrupt supply chains and keep prices elevated through the upcoming US election cycle.
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