📈 Asian Stocks Surge on AI Momentum Despite Middle East Escalation

Asian stock markets rose sharply on Friday, driven by tech and semiconductor firms as investors prioritized the artificial intelligence boom over intensifying U.S.-Iran conflict risks in the Middle East. • Market Performance: - South Korea's KOSPI led the region, jumping 4% to become the world’s best-performing major market since 2025. - Japan’s Nikkei climbed 1.8%, while the MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares (ex-Japan) rose 1.3%. Taiwan markets remained closed due to a typhoon. • Tech & Semiconductor Drivers: - Momentum was fueled by Micron Technology’s plan to invest over US$ 250 Bn in the U.S. through 2035. - South Korean chip majors Samsung Electronics rose 3% and SK Hynix gained 1%. SK Hynix is set for a massive US$ 26.5 Bn U.S. ADR debut, marking the world's second-biggest share sale. Its domestic shares have surged 238% this year. • Commodities & Currencies: - Brent crude futures hovered at US$ 76.03 per barrel, heading for a 5% week-on-week gain due to threats to the Strait of Hormuz supply route. - The Japanese yen strengthened 0.5% to 161.51 per U.S. dollar, rebounding from 40-year lows following government hints to encourage domestic asset holdings via pension funds. Gold fell 1% for the week to US$ 4,113 per ounce.