Global markets slide as AI uncertainty rattles investors

Global stock markets fell sharply on Friday following a Wall Street slump driven by uncertainty over the future of artificial intelligence. The Japanese Nikkei 225 dropped 6 percent, with other Asian indexes also declining. The selloff was triggered by Democratic gains in the US midterm elections, raising concerns about AI regulation and data center expansion. AI-linked stocks led losses, with Nvidia down 9.3 percent and AMD falling 17.3 percent on Thursday. Stockholm's OMXS index closed down 0.1 percent after initially hitting a record high. Economists suggest the strong US economy may help stabilize markets, though the volatility reflects heavy capital flows in previously high-performing tech stocks.