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South Korea Factory Output Misses Forecasts in November Amid Ongoing Economic Uncertainty 
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Oil Prices Slide in 2025 as Oversupply and Geopolitical Risks Shape Market Outlook 
USDA $12 Billion Farm Aid Program Draws Mixed Reactions from Row Crop Farmers 
U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Year-End Trading Turns Cautious 
Asian stock markets advanced on Tuesday, led by strong gains in technology shares as optimism around artificial intelligence continued to drive investor sentiment. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index was the standout performer, surging more than 3% to a fresh record high as markets reopened after a long holiday, while the broader TOPIX index also reached an all-time peak. The rally reflected a mix of catch-up buying and renewed confidence in Japan’s policy outlook.
Investor enthusiasm was further fueled by reports suggesting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may call an early general election as soon as February. Such a move would likely strengthen her ruling coalition’s parliamentary majority, giving her greater flexibility to implement fiscal stimulus measures. Expectations of increased government spending helped offset concerns over ongoing diplomatic tensions between Japan and China, particularly following Takaichi’s past comments on Taiwan.
Across the region, Asian equities took positive cues from Wall Street, where the S&P 500 recently hit a record high on the back of strong technology sector performance. Although S&P 500 futures edged slightly lower ahead of key U.S. consumer price index inflation data, overall risk sentiment in Asia remained constructive.
Technology stocks were the main drivers of gains, as artificial intelligence-related optimism continued to attract capital. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed to a two-month high, supported by renewed interest in Chinese and Hong Kong-listed tech companies. Recent high-profile listings by Chinese AI firms boosted confidence in the sector, with new entrants seeing strong debut performances. Shares of major technology players, including Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu, extended recent gains, reflecting sustained investor appetite for AI exposure.
Mainland Chinese markets also advanced modestly, while South Korea’s KOSPI and Australia’s ASX 200 posted solid gains. Singapore’s Straits Times index moved higher, supported by regional momentum. In contrast, India’s Nifty 50 futures edged slightly lower, even as cooler-than-expected December inflation data strengthened expectations of future interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India.
Overall, Asian markets benefited from a combination of strong global tech trends, policy optimism in Japan, and improving sentiment toward artificial intelligence, reinforcing a broadly positive outlook for regional equities.
