US stocks traded mixed on Tuesday, with losses in artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor stocks weighing on the broader technology sector despite gains in most other shares.The Nasdaq Composite fell 0.8 per cent in early trading, dragged down by declines in major chipmakers, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.2 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, rose 133 points, or 0.3 per cent, supported by gains outside the technology sector.The weakness followed a sharp sell-off in Asian markets after South Korea’s Samsung Electronics dropped nearly 7 per cent despite reporting stronger-than-expected preliminary second-quarter earnings. While the company projected its operating profit would surge about 1,800 per cent year-on-year, investors remained unconvinced after the stock’s sharp rally earlier this year.The decline in Samsung added to broader concerns surrounding AI-linked stocks, which have come under pressure in recent weeks amid questions over whether massive investments in AI infrastructure will translate into sustained profits.Micron Technology fell 7 per cent, making it the biggest drag on the S&P 500, while AI chip leader Nvidia lost 1.5 per cent, extending the sector’s losses.Asian markets ended broadly lower, with South Korea’s Kospi index falling 4.9%, largely due to Samsung’s decline, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.1 per cent. European markets traded mixed.Meanwhile, oil prices moved higher after a tanker travelling through the Strait of Hormuz caught fire following a reported projectile strike. Brent crude rose 1.3 per cent to $72.93 a barrel, amid renewed concerns over shipping security in the strategically important waterway.
