Global stocks retreat as tech bubble fears grow

LONDON: Technology companies led sell-offs on stock markets Wednesday, as investors grow increasingly worried about an AI bubble following a rally that has propelled valuations to record highs.

Sentiment was hit also by the US government shutdown, which Wednesday became the longest ever, topping the 35-day record set during President Donald Trump’s first term in office, as his administration warned of holiday air travel chaos and threatened Americans’ benefits in a bid to force a resolution.