Semiconductor stocks declined, continuing a volatile period of correction and profit-taking after a massive AI-driven rally earlier in the year. The drop extends recent weakness sparked by concerns over high valuations and the sustainability of the AI spending boom. While there was no single major catalyst for today's move, negative sentiment from earlier in the week, initially triggered by a sharp fall in SK Hynix shares, appears to be weighing on the highly volatile sector, overshadowing positive earnings news from industry giant ASML.