Stocks

Decline in Micron Technology Shares Amid Rising Treasury Yields

Published January 2, 2024

Micron Technology Inc (NASDAQ:MU) shares saw a downturn, trading 2.7% lower at $83.05 on a Tuesday afternoon. The movement is part of a broader slump in the semiconductor and chip sector, which has been affected by the increase in Treasury yields— a factor that traditionally puts pressure on technology stocks.

Broader Market Trends

The tech sector's decline is noted across the board, with investor sentiment affected by rising Treasury yields. This is indicative of a broader market reaction where tech stocks often retract in response to yield fluctuations, as higher yields make the future cash flows of tech companies less attractive, hence investors may shift towards assets with more immediate yields.

The Ripple Effect from ASML's Dip

A specific incident potentially contributing to this trend is the drop in shares of ASML Holding, triggered by the Netherlands' decision to limit exports of certain lithography systems to China. These systems are essential in manufacturing advanced microprocessors, and their restricted access can signal supply chain issues and geopolitical tensions that may have ripple effects across the semiconductor industry.

The semiconductor sector's recent losses may in part be a correction following significant gains earlier in the year 2023.

In the broader scale, companies like Intel Corp (INTC) are referenced with their 52-week trading range to give an indication of the semiconductor market's volatility over a longer period.

Micron, Technology, Semiconductors