Risk sentiment in Asian markets weakened as investors questioned whether gains in technology stocks were pausing. South Korea’s KOSPI index fell 5 percent, trimming its 2026 advance to about 90 percent, after chip shares declined on Wall Street. Analysts noted growing doubts over whether major trades of 2026 would consolidate further. Apollo Global Management ended talks and declined to bid for British firm Bodycote. Separately, US operator Bally’s Intralot agreed to acquire UK bookmaker owner Evoke for £243.1 million, creating what it called a global gaming champion. UK house prices slipped 0.1 percent in May, the third straight monthly decline, with the average price at £298,806 according to Halifax. Annual growth stood at 0.5 percent. Halifax said higher borrowing costs linked to Middle East developments continued to weigh on demand. Retail footfall rose in May after a weak April, helped by better weather and easing consumer concerns over fuel prices. European Union transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated there is currently no jet fuel shortage in Europe and no signs of one developing soon, despite limited progress reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He noted some airlines have cancelled uneconomic routes because of high fuel costs. He warned conditions could become difficult by year-end if supplies stay disrupted but stressed that emergency stocks exist across member states. The day’s data include Halifax’s May house-price index, the UN food-price index and the US jobs report.
