Asian tech stocks slump as AI selloff deepens after weak U.S. earnings

Asian technology stocks fell sharply on Friday, extending a selloff driven by weak U.S. earnings that deepened concerns over the artificial intelligence trade. Chipmakers led the decline, with Taiwan's TSMC down 1.8% and South Korea's Samsung falling 5.9%. The rout followed Intel's over 20% plunge on disappointing fourth-quarter guidance, while Amazon missed estimates and Alphabet raised doubts about AI profitability. Japan's Tokyo Electron lost over 5%, and SoftBank dropped nearly 7%, with a hawkish Bank of Japan adding pressure. Investors have rotated out of high-flying tech stocks into defensive sectors amid few signs AI will be profitable long-term. The losses mark a continued correction after weeks of valuation concerns across the sector.