Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions

Markets Rattled by Tech Sell-Off and Middle East Tensions

From World Business Report by BBC World Service

June 8, 2026 · 9 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of a tech sell-off and Middle East tensions on global stock markets, along with Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea and Prada's involvement in space exploration.

Global stock markets have fallen sharply after a sell-off in technology shares combined with growing uncertainty over tensions in the Middle East. South Korea's Kospi index briefly suspended trading after plunging at the open, while Japan's Nikkei also suffered heavy losses. Plus, Chinese President Xi Jinping is in North Korea for talks with Kim Jong Un. We look at what the visit could mean for trade and economic ties between the two neighbours. Oil prices initially surged before easing back. We ask what that tells us about how investors are assessing the risk of a wider regional conflict. And Prada has entered the space race. The Italian fashion house has helped develop part of a new spacesuit for future NASA missions. Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: David Cann

People in this episode

Host: Leanna Byrne

Topics covered

  • stock markets
  • technology
  • Middle East
  • trade relations
  • oil prices
  • fashion industry
  • space exploration

Keywords

  • stock markets
  • technology sell-off
  • Middle East tensions
  • Xi Jinping
  • Kim Jong Un
  • oil prices
  • Prada
  • NASA
  • trade relations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC World Service, Prada, NASA

Places: South Korea, North Korea

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