Wall Street Retreats as Tech Sell-Off Intensifies Amid Valuation Concerns and Government Shutdown Woes

Market Overview - U.S. equity markets faced a broad retreat on November 7, 2025, primarily due to a sell-off in technology stocks, driven by concerns over inflated valuations in the AI sector and a prolonged government shutdown [1][10] - All three major indexes are on track for their steepest weekly losses in months, with the Nasdaq Composite poised for its worst weekly performance since March [1][2] Major Index Performance - The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) declined approximately 1.5% to 2% in afternoon trading, following a 1.9% drop on Thursday [2] - The S&P 500 (SPX) fell between 0.9% and 1.2% by mid-afternoon, after a 1.1% decline on Thursday [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was down around 0.5% to 0.8% in afternoon trading, closing 0.8% lower on Thursday [2] Volatility and Investor Sentiment - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) surged by 8.3%, reaching its highest level in over two weeks, indicating increased investor nervousness [3] - The current market unease is exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to a "data blackout" affecting crucial economic releases [6] Sector Performance - There is a notable rotation out of high-growth technology stocks, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) slipping 2% and 2.3% respectively [4] - The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) advanced by 1%, indicating a defensive shift in investor portfolios towards traditional and value-oriented sectors [5] Corporate Developments - Tesla (TSLA) shares fell 3.3% to 4% despite shareholder approval of CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion compensation package [13] - Chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO) faced significant pressure, with declines of 3.8% and 4.6% respectively, reflecting caution regarding high valuations in AI-related stocks [13] - Payments company Block (SQ) slumped 9.8% to 10.5% after disappointing third-quarter earnings [13] - Conversely, Peloton (PTON) and Expedia Group (EXPE) saw significant gains of 3.4% to 6.1% and 16.6% to 17.3% respectively, following better-than-expected earnings [13]