** Australian technology stocks fall as much as 2.5%, their biggest intraday pct loss since Aug 5

** Sub-index hits its lowest level since Aug 29

** U.S. stocks slumped on Tuesday, ahead of data likely to influence how much the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates

** ASX-listed shares of Block Inc and Xero each retreat as much as 3%

** Sub-index up 40.3% YTD, as of last close

(Reporting by Echha Jain in Bengaluru)

((Echha.jain@thomsonreuters.com))