ASX tech shares sink amid Megaport (ASX:MP1) crash and NASDAQ fall

ASX technology shares had a shocker today.

| More on:
A group of people gathered around a laptop computer with various expressions of interest, concern and surprise on their faces. All are wearing glasses.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • ASX 200 tech shares had a tough day on Wednesday
  • Technology shares followed a similar pattern as on US markets overnight
  • Megaport had a particularly grim day, falling 16%.

ASX technology shares finished in the red today after a tech selloff on the NASDAQ overnight and with Aussie tech company Megaport falling dramatically.

The S&P/ASX All Technology Index (ASX: XTX) fell 1.71% today while the S&P/ASX 200 Info Tech (ASX: XIJ) finished 2.56% lower. The Megaport Ltd (ASX: MP1) share price had a particularly disastrous day, shedding 16.15%.

Let's take a look at what weighed on technology shares today.

Tech shares fall

ASX tech shares fell after the NASDAQ-100 Technology Sector Index (NASDAQ) dropped 3.39% in the US overnight. Australian technology shares often follow in the footsteps of their US peers, as Motley Fool Australia has noted previously.

Megaport led the pack in share fallers today. The company's shares fell to their lowest level in 8 months, closing at $15.32. This is the worst result for the company's shares since 7 June, when the company's shares finished at $15.24.

As my Foolish colleague James reported earlier, investors appeared to expect better growth in the company's second-quarter update.

Despite the company reporting an 8% gain in second-quarter revenue to $26.6 million, investors sold down the share.

The Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT) share price also fell 2.81% while Xero Limited (ASX: XRO) sunk 2.36%.

Meanwhile, Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) dropped 1.95% and TechnologyOne (ASX: TNE) fell 1.52%.

However, Appen Ltd (ASX: APX) bucked the trend today, gaining 3.87% to finish at $10.47.

Sadly, Afterpay's drop today coincided with its last day trading on the market. The company will be taken over by Block Inc (NYSE: SQ) and replaced on the ASX with SQ2 shares.

ASX technology share recap

The All Technology Index has fallen 5.78% in the past year, while the Info Tech index has dropped 14.69%.

In contrast, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has returned 8.75% in the past year.

The author has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns and has recommended Afterpay Limited, Altium, Appen Ltd, and MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns and has recommended Afterpay Limited and Appen Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended MEGAPORT FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A businessman looking at his digital tablet or strategy planning in hotel conference lobby. He is happy at achieving financial goals.
Broker Notes

Morgans names more of the best ASX shares to buy

The broker has given these shares a big thumbs up.

Read more »

Animation of a man measuring a percentage sign, symbolising rising interest rates.
Share Market News

Are interest rate cuts now off the table for 2024?

The RBA is struggling in its battle with inflation. What does this mean for interest rates?

Read more »

A young man wearing a black and white striped t-shirt looks surprised.
Broker Notes

These ASX 300 shares could rise 20% to 65%

Big returns could be on the cards for these shares according to analysts.

Read more »

Woman at home saving money in a piggybank and smiling.
Opinions

Why I just invested another $1,000 in my favourite ASX 200 stock

I’m planning to hold this stock for a very long time.

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Market News

Why is the ASX 200 pumping the brakes before the weekend?

Australian investors don't have the appetite today, here's why.

Read more »

Miner and company person analysing results of a mining company.
Resources Shares

Buy one, sell the other: Goldman's verdict on these 2 ASX 200 mining shares

The broker sees significant valuation differences between these 2 major ASX 200 mining shares.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy now

Here's why brokers are feeling bullish about these three shares this week.

Read more »

a man weraing a suit sits nervously at his laptop computer biting into his clenched hand with nerves, and perhaps fear.
Share Fallers

Why BHP, Lynas, Metals X, and Super Retail shares are dropping today

These shares are ending the week in the red.

Read more »