Computer chipmakers fall, dragging global stock markets lower

Stocks in artificial intelligence companies fell sharply on Thursday, pulling down markets in several countries. Computer chipmakers were among the biggest losers. Other companies that had gained from the AI boom also dropped in value.

Investors had been worried about these stocks for several weeks before Thursday. Many felt that prices had risen too high and that demand for computer memory was not as strong as expected. These concerns had already been pushing AI stocks lower.

The wide drop showed how problems in one industry can affect markets around the world. Oil prices, however, barely moved during the same period. Chipmakers and semiconductor companies had been big winners from AI investment in recent years, but investor confidence in the sector has weakened.