AI chip concerns trigger Asia tech sell-off

Asian markets came under pressure as a sharp sell-off in South Korean technology shares forced a halt in trading on the Kospi index. Samsung and SK Hynix were among the major names hit by steep declines, with investor concern focused on whether Chinese AI chipmakers could intensify competition in a sector that has driven recent market gains.

Business disruption is also mounting in Europe as firefighters in France and Spain continue to battle wildfires that have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. The fires have also led tens of thousands of businesses to close, adding an economic dimension to the emergency. In London, one of the city’s best-known landmarks is seeking an apprentice, highlighting a separate labor story alongside the market turmoil and wildfire damage.