Global stocks retreat as tech sentiment sours and oil surges on Middle East tensions

A market observer says hedge funds sold more global tech stocks in the two weeks ending October 16 than in any comparable period in data going back to 2017, with short sales outpacing long purchases 5:1 so far in October. Asian and European markets reportedly fell on October 22, 2026; Brent rose about 2.7% toward $111–$112 a barrel amid reported Houthi attacks on Saudi targets, including Aramco facilities.