South Korea's Kospi index sinks more than 7% on semiconductor share sell-off over AI boom worries

What happened: South Korea's Kospi index fell more than 7% on Tuesday amid a sell-off in semiconductor shares, with Asian markets mostly declining after mixed U.S. trading. Key numbers: Kospi down 7.4% to 5,914.35, lowest since late July. Samsung Electronics fell 7.7%, SK Hynix 8.8%. Nikkei 225 dropped 2.5% to 67,292.39. Hang Seng fell 1% to 24,033.51. Why it matters: Investor unease over the AI boom has clouded prospects, with reports that China's CXMT advances could challenge Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Middle East tensions and oil flow risks also weigh on markets. Coverage: 3 outlets in 24h

South Korea's Kospi index fell more than 7% on Tuesday amid a sell-off in semiconductor shares, with Asian markets mostly declining after mixed U.S. trading.

Investor unease over the AI boom has clouded prospects, with reports that China's CXMT advances could challenge Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron. Middle East tensions and oil flow risks also weigh on markets.