What happened to ASX tech shares today?

It was a tough day for the technology sector. Here are the details…

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

A disappointed female investor sits in front of her laptop and puts her hand to her forehead and closes her eyes in disappointment over share price falls.

Image source: Getty Images

Key points

  • The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) dropped 2.86% today
  • Brainchip, Appen, Block, Altium, Megaport, Technology One and NextDC all plummeted
  • US Nasdaq technology shares fell in morning trade yesterday before staging a major recovery.

ASX technology shares slumped overall today, failing to replicate the recovery of Nasdaq US tech stocks overnight.

The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) dived 2.86% to close at 2,522 points.

Let's take a look at the performance of some key ASX tech shares today.

How did ASX tech shares perform?

ASX tech shares nosedived today. The Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) share price descended 7.37% while Brainchip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) shares plummeted a massive 13.60% despite no news from the company.

Meanwhile, the Block Inc CDI (ASX: SQ2) share price dropped 4.21% today and Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) shares fell 1.78%

Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) slipped 3.49%, Computershare Limited (ASX: CPU) stumbled 2.64%, and NextDC Ltd (ASX: NXT) sunk 2.15%.

Additionally, TechnologyOne Ltd (ASX: TNE) descended 2.34%, Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) tumbled 1.99%, and Wisetech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) plunged 6.59%.

What happened in the US?

ASX tech shares often follow the movement of the tech-heavy Nasdaq Index, as my Foolish colleague Brooke noted yesterday.

But while the US Nasdaq may have staged a tech sell-off in morning trade yesterday, afternoon trade saw investors buying up. The dramatic turnaround came after the US Treasury auctioned two-year notes, VOA News reported.

The Nasdaq-100 Technology Sector (NASDAQ: NDXT) finished 1.65% in the green. However, between market close on 21 January in the United States and 12.30pm yesterday, the index fell 4.71%. It then staged a massive recovery of 6.76% in afternoon trade.

Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ: AMZN) gained 1.33% after falling 4.46% between market close on 21 January and 12.30pm.

Meanwhile Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) also climbed 0.11% overall after falling 5.37% in the same time frame. Apple Inc (NASDAQ: AAPL) finished just 0.49% in the red after falling 4.18% up to 12.30pm.

While ASX tech shares stabilised this afternoon, most did not stage the comeback of their US counterparts.

However, Megaport certainly showed some recovery. Despite falling 4.4% on the previous close to a low of $14.43 at 12.19pm, it regained 2.56% of this loss in afternoon trade to finish at $14.80.

Teresa Kersten, an employee of LinkedIn, a Microsoft subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Altium, Appen Ltd, Block, Inc., MEGAPORT FPO, Microsoft, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Appen Ltd, WiseTech Global, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Amazon, Apple, and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Technology Shares

A woman researcher holds a finger up in happiness as if making the 'number one' sign with a graphic of technological data and an orb emanating from her finger while fellow researchers work in the background.
Technology Shares

Weebit Nano lifts revenue guidance on new deals and chip tape-outs

Revenue is now expected to be at least $13.5 million in FY 2026.

Read more »

A silhouette shot of a man holding a control in his hands and watching as a drone hovers overhead with sunrays coming from the sky.
Technology Shares

$10,000 invested in DroneShield shares 5 years ago is now worth…

DroneShield shares have crashed from their recent highs, but you’re unlikely to hear long-term investors complaining.

Read more »

Happy man and woman looking at the share price on a tablet.
Technology Shares

Down 40% to 70%. Why I'd buy these ASX tech stocks before August

The market has marked down all three companies heavily, creating an opportunity.

Read more »

ASX 200 shares broker downgrade origami paper fortune teller with buy hold sell and dollar sign options
Broker Notes

Up 155% since April, is it too late to buy Megaport shares today?

A leading analyst delivers his forecast for Megaport’s outperforming shares.

Read more »

A woman has a thoughtful look on her face as she studies a fan of Australian 20 dollar bills she is holding on one hand while he rest her other hand on her chin in thought.
Technology Shares

Down 40%, is the DroneShield share price good value?

This week's update delivered strong growth, fresh contracts, and one number the market clearly did not like.

Read more »

A person leans over to whisper a secret to a colleague during a meeting.
Technology Shares

Are WiseTech shares a once-in-a-decade bargain?

The valuation looks attractive several years ahead. Reaching it will require strong execution through a difficult period.

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
Technology Shares

Check out these 4 ASX tech firms RBC Capital Markets expects to outperform

AI is creating winners and losers - here are some of the winners.

Read more »

A woman scratches her head, thinking is this a no-brainer?
Technology Shares

Down 60%: Should you buy, hold or sell Xero shares?

Analysts see opportunity where many investors still see uncertainty and fear.

Read more »