Asian markets opened the new trading week under pressure on Monday, with technology shares falling and higher oil prices adding to investor concerns over inflation, interest rates and the outlook for global growth.
Japan and South Korea were among the weaker major markets during early trading, with semiconductor and technology companies responsible for a significant part of the declines.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 initially fell around 1.6 per cent. SoftBank was particularly hard hit, dropping more than 10 per cent during trading, while semiconductor-related companies including Kioxia and Tokyo Electron also moved lower.
South Korea’s Kospi fell around 2.5 per cent, with SK Hynix losing more than 5 per cent and Samsung Electronics also declining.
AI shares come under pressure
Technology stocks were at the centre of Monday’s weakness following renewed concerns about the rapid development of artificial intelligence.
Comments from senior figures within the AI industry calling for greater caution contributed to pressure on companies that have benefited heavily from expectations of continued massive investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The reaction represents a change in sentiment towards a sector that has been one of the principal drivers of global equity markets.
Oil prices add to concerns
Energy markets created another challenge for Asian investors as oil prices climbed sharply amid renewed concerns about supplies from the Middle East.
Brent crude moved above $107 a barrel during trading, increasing concerns that expensive energy could feed into inflation.
That is particularly significant for Asian economies dependent on imported oil and gas.
Central banks move into focus
Investors are also preparing for important monetary policy decisions, with both the US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan in focus.
Persistent inflation has increased expectations that interest rates could remain higher for longer, creating additional pressure on equity valuations.
Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong markets initially proved more resilient than Tokyo and Seoul, although trading remained cautious.
India’s major stock exchanges were closed on Monday for Ganesh Chaturthi.
The opening therefore delivered a difficult combination for investors: weaker technology shares, expensive energy and uncertainty over interest rates.
After months in which artificial intelligence helped drive global markets higher, Monday’s trading offered a reminder that the same sector can quickly become a source of volatility.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 14 September 2026
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