Asian shares sink, with Tokyo down nearly 5% as slumping AI stocks drag world markets lower

Asian shares skidded Friday, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 down 5% as heavy selling of computer chipmakers and other AI-related shares dragged markets lower. Stocks related to artificial intelligence have been under pressure for weeks because of worries that their prices have shot too high and that voracious demand for computer memory and processors may not be sustainable if AI ends up not producing as much profit and productivity as promised. Oil prices surged as fighting in the Middle East intensified, while U.S. futures slipped.