USD/JPY briefly plunged, trading at 159.80.

Philadelphia Semiconductor Index nearly wiped out an intraday gain of about 5%; SanDisk (SNDK.O) down about 7%, Micron Technology (MU.O) down more than 4%, SK Hynix (SKHY.O) down more than 2%; Nasdaq Composite down about 0.2%.

China Coast Guard said its Xiu Shan flotilla carried out routine law-enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on July 31. It said the flotilla has intensified control of the area since July to ensure safe navigation and operations and to protect the legal rights and safety of Chinese citizens, including Taiwan residents. The Coast Guard said it will continue to step up patrols in waters under Chinese jurisdiction and resolutely defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.