Asian markets tumble, Nikkei plunges 4.45%

Asian equity markets moved in different directions on November 03, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropping 4.45% to its lowest level since May, Mettis Global reported. The Topix fell more than 3%, while technology and energy shares weighed heavily on Japan’s benchmark. The decline came as investors assessed concerns about artificial intelligence stocks and the prospect of tighter U.S. rules for data-centre construction.

Those worries were tied to uncertainty over future investment in AI infrastructure ahead of U.S. midterm election results. South Korea’s Kospi rose 2.95% and the Kosdaq added 1.85%, contrasting with a 0.45% fall in Australia’s S&P/ASX 200. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures stood at 23,400, below its previous close of 23,525.97, while Nikkei futures in Chicago and Osaka were at 63,410 and 63,090, respectively. Investors were watching U.S. technology shares and election developments for further direction.