U.S. stocks suffered a sharp decline on Friday, ending Wall Street’s impressive nine-week winning streak as technology and semiconductor shares experienced heavy selling pressure. The market downturn came after a stronger-than-expected May jobs report raised concerns that the Federal Reserve could maintain higher interest rates for longer, reducing hopes for near-term monetary easing.
The Nasdaq Composite recorded its largest one-day percentage drop since April 2025, while the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted significant losses. Technology stocks, which had driven much of the market’s recent gains, were hit hardest as investors took profits following months of strong performance.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plunged more than 11%, marking its steepest daily decline since March 2020 and wiping out over $1 trillion in market value. Major chipmakers including Nvidia, Intel, AMD, Micron Technology, and Broadcom suffered substantial losses as traders reassessed valuations in response to changing interest-rate expectations.
According to the U.S. Labor Department, the economy added 172,000 jobs in May, far exceeding analyst forecasts. While the strong employment data highlighted the resilience of the U.S. economy, it also reduced expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Market participants are increasingly considering the possibility of additional policy tightening later in the year.
Investor sentiment was further pressured by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Concerns surrounding Iran, Israel, and shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz have increased fears that higher energy prices could contribute to renewed inflationary pressures worldwide.
The S&P 500 fell 2.64% to 7,383.74, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 695 points, or 1.35%, to 50,866.78. The Nasdaq Composite declined 4.18% to 25,709.43. Market volatility surged, with investors rotating away from high-growth technology stocks and into more defensive sectors.
Despite the sharp correction, many analysts remain optimistic about the long-term outlook for artificial intelligence, semiconductor companies, and the broader technology sector. Market experts suggest the selloff reflects profit-taking and positioning adjustments rather than a fundamental shift in the ongoing tech bull market.


Indonesia Passes New Central Bank Law, Raising Investor Concerns Over Policy Independence
Trump Forced Labour Tariff Plan Faces Criticism as Experts Question Effectiveness
Oil Prices Climb as Middle East Tensions Escalate and Ceasefire Prospects Fade
RBI Holds Interest Rates at 5.25%, Cuts India Growth Forecast Amid Rising Global Risks
Australia Trade Surplus Jumps in April as Iron Ore and Coal Exports Surge
Australia Passes Major Tax Reform Bill to Boost Housing Affordability and Cut Taxes for Workers
Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism and Tech Surge Lift Regional Markets in 2026
US Employment Growth Likely Slowed in May as Labor Market Remains Stable Amid Oil Price Pressures
Gulf Tensions Escalate as Iranian Missile Attacks Fail and Nuclear Talks Remain Stalled
Asian Stocks Decline as Investors Exit Tech Shares Ahead of U.S. Jobs Data
US Stock Futures Slide as Broadcom Sparks Tech Selloff Ahead of Key Jobs Report
South Korea Weighs AI Profit Sharing as Samsung and SK Hynix Earnings Surge
Gold Prices Tumble as Strong U.S. Jobs Report Fuels Fed Rate Hike Expectations
Oil Prices Ease After Rally as Traders Weigh Middle East Risks and U.S. Supply Tightening
BOJ June Rate Hike Likely as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Middle East Tensions
Fitch Cuts Global Growth Outlook for 2026 as Oil Shock From U.S.-Iran Conflict Weighs on Economy
Oil Prices Slip but End Two-Week Losing Streak as Middle East Tensions Persist in 2026 



