"Asian Shares Poised to Slide Following US Selloff: Markets Wrap"
Monday, Mar 10, 2025 7:10 pm ET
The recent selloff in the US stock market has sent shockwaves through global financial markets, and Asian shares are poised to follow suit. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have both experienced significant drops, with the S&P 500 posting its worst weekly performance since September. This downturn has been driven by concerns over the US growth outlook, with President Trump describing the current economic phase as a "period of transition" and Fed Chair Powell acknowledging rising economic uncertainty. These factors have led to a cooling labor market and a sharp drop in US stock futures, with contracts on the three major indexes falling nearly 1% on Monday, extending last week's losses.
The ripple effect of the US market selloff is already being felt in Asian markets. Tesla's stock tumbled around 3% after data showed a 49% plunge in China shipments in February, highlighting the interconnected nature of global markets. This has led to increased volatility and uncertainty in Asian markets, with investors becoming more cautious and risk-averse. The selloff in US equities has also led to a shift in trading strategies, with investors focusing on defensive sectors and safe-haven assets. For instance, the 10-year Treasury yield dropped to 4.216%, reflecting the flight to safety among investors. This has led to a decrease in demand for riskier assets, such as stocks, and an increase in demand for safer assets, such as bonds.

The technology sector in Asia, particularly in countries like China and South Korea, is likely to be significantly affected by the US market downturn. For instance, nvidia Corp., a major player in the technology sector, saw a 5.07% decrease in its stock price on March 10, 2025. This downturn in the US market could lead to reduced demand for technology products and services in Asia, as well as potential supply chain disruptions. Additionally, the "tech wreck" mentioned in the materials, where apple and Nvidia led a $750 billion decline, indicates that the technology sector is particularly vulnerable to market downturns.
The automotive industry in Asia, especially in countries like Japan and South Korea, is also likely to be impacted. For example, ford motor Co. saw a 0.61% increase in its stock price, which might seem positive, but the overall market downturn could lead to reduced consumer confidence and demand for vehicles. Furthermore, the profit squeeze looming for Ford, GM, and Stellantis amid tariff uncertainty suggests that the automotive industry is facing significant challenges that could be exacerbated by a US market downturn.
The energy sector in Asia, particularly in countries like China and India, is likely to be affected by the US market downturn. The "drill, baby, drill" and tariffs article suggests that energy stocks could be impacted by changes in US tariff policies, which could lead to increased costs and reduced profitability for energy companies in Asia. Additionally, the overall market downturn could lead to reduced demand for energy products and services.
The retail and consumer goods sector in Asia is likely to be affected by the US market downturn. For instance, the decline in the stock price of China SXT Pharmaceuticals Inc. by 35.77% and Coffee Holding Co. Inc. by 31.77% on March 10, 2025, indicates that consumer goods companies are facing significant challenges. The overall market downturn could lead to reduced consumer spending and demand for retail products and services in Asia.
In summary, the US market downturn is likely to have significant impacts on the technology sector, automotive industry, energy sector, and retail and consumer goods sector in Asia. These sectors are particularly vulnerable to global economic uncertainty and changes in US tariff policies, which could lead to reduced demand, supply chain disruptions, and increased costs. Investors in Asian markets should brace for increased volatility and uncertainty, and consider shifting their trading strategies towards more defensive and risk-averse positions.
Ask Aime: What are the significant impacts of the US stock market downturn on Asian markets and relevant sectors?