Shares of major technology companies including Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft declined as data center spending continues to rise across the industry. The pressure on these tech giants comes as companies worldwide increase their infrastructure investments to support growing digital demands.

Microsoft announced plans for a $1 billion investment in Thailand, according to the Thai government. The investment represents part of the company's broader strategy to expand its global infrastructure footprint and strengthen its presence in Southeast Asian markets.

Separately, Indian telecommunications company Bharti Airtel secured $1 billion in funding from Carlyle and other private equity firms to expand its data center operations. The funding round highlights the growing investment interest in data infrastructure across emerging markets as digital services continue to expand.

In other corporate developments, Chinese liquor manufacturer Kweichow Moutai saw its shares surge following the company's decision to raise prices on its flagship liquor products. The price increase reflects strong demand for the premium brand in China's luxury goods market.

Economic data from Europe showed mixed results, with the United Kingdom reporting 1% GDP growth year-over-year in the fourth quarter, while Germany's retail sales climbed 0.7% annually, falling short of analyst estimates. The divergent economic indicators reflect the varied recovery patterns across European markets.