Why are ASX 200 tech shares being fried on Friday?

Tech shares are getting fried this Friday. What's going on?

| More on:
Man looking concerned head in hands at laptop

Image source: Getty Images

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

It's been another rough day for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) so far this Friday. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 is down by a painful 0.52%, pulling the index down to under 7,170 points. But it's ASX 200 tech shares that are really feeling the pain today.

Tech shares are getting fried up this Friday, no way around it. Tech is one of the worst-performing ASX 200 sectors on the market today, only trailing ASX gold shares in losses.

Take the Block Inc (ASX: SQ2) share price. Block shares are presently down by a nasty 5.82% at $96.94 a share. Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) has slipped by 2.54% to $73.90 each, while Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) shares have lost 3% of their value to $36.46 a share. Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) has fallen by a depressing 4% to $2.52.

So why is the tech space getting singled out for some of the worst ASX 200 losses this Friday?

Why are ASX 200 tech shares getting fried up this Friday?

Well, it's not entirely clear. But it is likely that what is happening over on the US markets is to blame here. The US markets have been roiled this week by the US Federal Reserve's decision to raise interest rates by 0.5%.

Further, Fed chair Jay Powell made some hawkish comments that indicated that the Fed is far from finding an interest rate ceiling.

This decision, and accompanying comments from Powell, saw the US market tank, particularly the tech-heavy NASDAQ-100 (NASDAQ: NDX).

Higher interest rates are especially damaging for tech shares since many are priced on their future growth prospects, rather than their present profitability.

In last night's trading session, the NASDAQ crashed by a horrid 3.2%. So ASX tech shares were never going to have a rip-roaring kind of day today. That's the most likely explanation as to why tech shares are having such a disappointing end to the trading week this Friday.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Altium, Appen, Block, and Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Block and Xero. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Technology Shares

A man sits thoughtfully on the couch with a laptop on his lap.
Technology Shares

This ASX tech stock rocketed 60% in March! Can it keep on delivering?

After soaring in March, the ASX tech stock is now up 169% since this time last year.

Read more »

Five happy friends on their phones.
Share Market News

Goldman Sachs says these ASX tech stocks can rise 18% to 30%

The broker sees big returns on offer from these shares.

Read more »

A guy helps a girl lift a couch, both are laughing.
Technology Shares

3 of the best ASX tech shares to buy and hold until 2030

I think these stocks have exciting futures.

Read more »

A young woman uses a laptop and calculator while working from home.
Technology Shares

If I'd put $5,000 in Block shares 5 months ago, here's what I'd have now

Was it a good idea to invest in this payments stock five months ago?

Read more »

Close up of a sad young woman reading about declining share price on her phone.
Technology Shares

Why is the Brainchip share price sinking over 7% today?

What's going on with this tech stock on Wednesday?

Read more »

woman working on tablet
Technology Shares

Missed out on Nvidia? My best ASX tech stock to buy and hold

Do you have FOMO after the US chip maker's share price rocketed? Here's an Aussie company worth backing instead.

Read more »

Three businesspeople leap high with the CBD in the background.
Technology Shares

Guess which ASX small-cap stock is rocketing 45% on 'pivotal moment'

Investors have responded very positively to an announcement.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Technology Shares

Why are these ASX tech shares getting smashed today?

Owners of these two stocks are missing out today.

Read more »