Asian shares track technology-led sell-off on Wall Street

By ELAINE KURTENBACH
AP Business Writer

Shares are lower in Asia after declines in stocks in technology companies led heavy selling on Wall Street following the release of price data that was worse than expected. Hong Kong’s benchmark fell 1.5% following the arrest of several prominent democracy advocates, including a retired bishop. On Wednesday, U.S. crude oil prices rose 6%. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 3.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell less, 1%. Treasury yields initially jumped following the inflation report but later fell back. A report from the U.S. Labor Department showed inflation slowed a touch in April, down to 8.3% from 8.5% in March. That was still higher than expected.