U.S. Tech Sector Weakening Sparks Sell-Off Outlook; S&P 500 Pressured

[Para 1: The Lead] U.S. stocks face a potential sell-off as weakness in the tech sector, a key driver of the S&P 500, continues. Major tech indices fell 2.3% on February 5, 2026, with NVIDIA and META posting the steepest declines. The broader S&P 500 was down 1.8% in late afternoon trading. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] The sell-off follows a string of weaker-than-expected earnings reports and rising interest rates. Analysts warn that ongoing macroeconomic headwinds, including higher borrowing costs and inflation concerns, could extend the pressure on growth stocks. Institutional investors are net short in tech, according to recent Cboe data, suggesting continued volatility in the sector could spread to other segments of the market.