The S&P 500 is trading lower today by 0,31%, at 7.390 points, while the Dow Jones rises 0,78%, to 52.615,83 points. The difference between the main U.S. indexes shows a session marked by pressure on technology companies.
The Nasdaq records the biggest loss among the main indexes, falling 1,36%, to 24.593,43 points. The Russell 2000 also drops 0,57%, to 2.931,16 points, while the VIX rises 1,98%, to 19,04 points.
The pressure on the technology sector comes amid the sharp decline in shares of chipmakers in South Korea. The move increased investors' concerns about the high investments related to artificial intelligence.
Shares of SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics were among the main negative highlights in the South Korean market. The Kospi at one point plunged more than 10%, increasing caution regarding companies tied to the artificial intelligence cycle.
Sentiment was also affected by reports that Nvidia was evaluating an investment of up to US$ 250 bilhões in OpenAI. The possibility rekindled discussions about circular financing structures among companies participating in the development of artificial intelligence.
In addition, investors began assessing the advance of Chinese competition in the sector. The technological convergence between Chinese and American companies increases doubts about the return prospects of the large investments made in artificial intelligence.
In the commodities market, crude oil falls 1,03%, to US$ 81,76. Gold also drops 1,17%, quoted at US$ 4.029,20, while oil prices remain pressured by expectations related to negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Current U.S. President Donald Trump said that the two countries were engaged in diplomatic negotiations.
"There is a good chance that something will happen and, if it does, great," Trump said aboard Air Force One on Monday. "If it doesn't happen, we go back to doing what we were doing."
In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin today follows the pressure seen in risk assets. BTC is trading at US$ 62.922,67, down 2,61% in the last 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve began its two-day monetary policy meeting. The prevailing expectation among investors is that interest rates will be maintained in Wednesday's decision, although the outlook for monetary policy remains in the market's focus.
U.S. consumer confidence fell slightly in July, to 90,8 points, according to the Conference Board, with weaker assessments of the labor market.