Asian Markets Slide as Apple Price Hikes Shake Tech Sector

The tech downturn coincides with a wider cooling in commodity markets, as Brent crude futures dropped 1.5% to $74.1 a barrel. This decline follows the resumption of oil loading at Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura terminal, ending a four-month hiatus. Simultaneously, precious metals have faced heavy selling pressure, with both gold and silver prices sliding as investors reassess their positions.

Currency markets remain tense, particularly for the yen, which is hovering near a 40-year low against the dollar. While active government intervention has prevented a further collapse, the Japanese currency remains under immense strain. These movements reflect a complex economic landscape where, despite faster-than-anticipated U.S. first-quarter growth, underlying consumer spending is beginning to show signs of fatigue.