Asian markets climb as AI optimism fuels Wall Street rally

Early Thursday trading saw most Asian indexes rise, driven by optimism around AI and semiconductor stocks. Japan’s one outlet 225 climbed 1.6%, and South Korea’s Kospi surged 3.9%, while the Hong Kong Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite posted modest advances. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.6%, contrasting with the broader regional uplift.

The rally followed a near-record finish on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 posted its first gain since hitting an all-time high, the Dow edged down slightly, and the Nasdaq rose 0.5%. Strong earnings from AI companies and a slightly lower U.S. inflation reading helped calm expectations of imminent rate hikes, supporting equity markets worldwide.