Stock markets are falling as concerns remain about the technology companies at the center of the AI ​​boom

Global stock markets fell on concerns about the outlook for technology stocks, while oil prices rose as attacks in the Middle East fueled fears that a fragile ceasefire in the region could collapse.

Stock markets in Asia and Europe fell on Monday after a sharp selloff in U.S. technology stocks late last week, as investors worried about how companies at the forefront of the artificial intelligence boom would finance their “staggering” spending plans.

Meanwhile, Brent crude, the international oil benchmark, rose nearly 5% to $97.60 a barrel on Monday after Iran and Israel exchanged fire over an Israeli attack on Beirut.

In Asia, a region heavily dependent on oil imports, stock markets fell sharply on Monday. South Korea’s Kospi index plunged nearly 9% at one point, forcing a temporary trading halt. The decline was led by chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, whose shares fell 9% and 6%, respectively.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 index fell 3%, while Hong Kong…