BUSINESS

Tech Stocks Plunge as Hawkish Fed Signals Rate Hikes

PUBLISHED Aug 28, 2026, 3:37 PM ET

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Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish speech at Jackson Hole, signaling potential interest rate hikes to combat stubborn inflation, causing technology stocks to plunge Friday. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped 3.6 percent, while the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF fell 1.5 percent and the S&P Semiconductor ETF declined 3.9 percent. Warsh stated that current interest rates lack economic restriction and that the central bank must act if inflation fails to reach the 2 percent target. He highlighted that 54 percent of goods and services experienced price increases of 3 percent or higher over the past year. Following the remarks, two-year Treasury yields rose to 4.30 percent as investors priced in upcoming rate hikes. The Federal Open Market Committee meeting is scheduled for September 15 to 16, with markets anticipating a December rate increase. The sensitive technology sector, heavily reliant on capital-intensive investments and future earnings projections, led broad market losses.

By Emily Rhodes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On August 22, 2025, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh delivered Jackson Hole speech.
On August 22, 2025, Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped sharply by 3.6 percent.
On August 22, 2025, two-year Treasury yields increased to 4.30 percent nationwide.
On September 15, 2025, Federal Reserve policy meeting scheduled to convene.
On September 16, 2025, Federal Reserve officials will announce interest rate decisions.
On December 1 2025 By December 2025, investors anticipate potential central bank interest rate hikes.
On June 1 2026 Throughout 2026, technology stocks may experience continued valuation pressure volatility.
On January 1 2027 In early 2027, inflation metrics will dictate subsequent monetary policy shifts.
On December 1 2027 By late 2027, interest rates could stabilize if inflation reaches target.
On January 1 2028 In 2028, economic conditions may prompt normalized central bank policy adjustments.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Immediate market selloffs across technology equities and rising Treasury yields.
Possible long-term US impact: Extended valuation compression and higher borrowing costs for growth sectors.
Most affected groups: Technology investors, semiconductor companies, institutional funds, and market analysts.
Reader priority: Monitor official Federal Reserve releases, economic indicators, and financial wire reports.