Applied Materials is trading 3.15% lower at $432.56, with a broad technology and semiconductor selloff the immediate backdrop. - The decline extends recent losses. Reuters reported hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation increased rate-hike expectations; chip stocks continued falling, and technology weakness weighed on Asian markets. - No fresh company-specific catalyst was identified for October 15. The prior report about earnings beats is background, not an explanation for this pre-market drop.