Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism and Tech Surge Lift Regional Markets in 2026 
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US Stock Futures Rise as Hopes Grow for U.S.-Iran Peace Deal 
Gulf Tensions Escalate as Iranian Missile Attacks Fail and Nuclear Talks Remain Stalled 
Asian Stocks Edge Lower as Middle East Tensions and AI Optimism Shape Market Sentiment 
Gold Prices Fall as Stronger Dollar and Iran Tensions Weigh on Market Sentiment 
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Oil Prices Surge as Iran Suspends U.S. Talks Amid Middle East Tensions 
Jerome Powell Warns Against Politicizing the Federal Reserve, Defends Democratic Institutions 
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Trump, Syrian President Sharaa Discuss Sanctions Relief and Economic Recovery in Phone Call 
U.S. Opens Public Comment Period on New U.S.-China Trade Board and Potential Tariff Cuts 
Japan Weighs Two-Year Food Tax Cut Starting in 2027 to Ease Cost-of-Living Pressure 
Australia GDP Growth Misses Forecasts in Q1 2026 as Inflation and Iran War Impact Spending 
Asian stock markets climbed sharply on Thursday, driven by a strong rebound in technology shares after Nvidia delivered upbeat quarterly results and confident guidance. The chipmaker’s performance eased worries about a potential bubble in the AI sector and boosted global tech sentiment.
Markets across the region tracked Wall Street’s recovery, with U.S. stock index futures jumping after Nvidia’s report. By 21:16 ET (02:16 GMT), S&P 500 Futures were up 1.2%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures gained 1.7%, signaling renewed appetite for growth and semiconductor stocks.
Japan and South Korea led the rally, with the Nikkei 225 surging 3.2% and the KOSPI jumping 2.6%. Investors piled back into tech names after Nvidia reported stronger-than-expected earnings and an outlook supported by robust AI-driven demand. CEO Jensen Huang reiterated that the company’s customer base extends beyond major hyperscalers, dismissing fears of an AI bubble. Nvidia shares climbed more than 5% in after-hours trading.
The positive momentum spilled over to key suppliers. In South Korea and Japan, Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Advantest advanced between 4% and 9%. SoftBank Group also rose 3.5%, despite having fully exited its Nvidia stake last year. The broader tech sector benefited from bargain hunting after recent sell-offs tied to valuation concerns.
Elsewhere in Asia, Australia’s ASX 200 rose 1.2%, supported by mining and tech gains, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index inched up 0.3%. Indian Nifty 50 futures added 0.2%. Mainland Chinese markets lagged due to their smaller tech exposure, with the CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite each edging up 0.1%.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was the region’s main laggard, slipping 0.2% as Xiaomi dropped another 3%. The smartphone giant warned of rising chip costs and faces ongoing doubts about its electric vehicle ambitions, overshadowing its strong quarterly results. NetEase also fell ahead of its earnings release, while local EV stocks weakened on concerns over declining demand following the end of key subsidies.
Despite geopolitical tensions between Japan and China, optimism around global tech growth helped investors maintain a risk-on outlook.
