Asia markets rise on US-Iran deal optimism as AI-tech stocks surge

Despite ongoing military strikes in the Persian Gulf, Asian stocks rose on Wednesday as speculators clung to hopes that the US and Iran would reach a peace agreement.Australia’s and Japan’s gauges improved, contributing to a 1% increase in the MSCI Asia Pacific Index. Following the S&P 500’s all-time high closing due to prospects of an agreement, US equity-index futures also increased by 0.1%. Leading the way were chipmakers, such as Micron Technology Inc., whose market capitalisation surged 19% to surpass $1 trillion.

Asia also saw a focus on tech shares, with South Korea, a gauge of investments in AI, jumping 4.2% and shares of SK Hynix Inc. rising 11% to surpass a $1 trillion market valuation. The Nikkei 225 also rose by over 1% intraday.
Also Read: SK Hynix joins Micron in the $1 trillion market cap club after 2026 gains extend to 230%Treasury rates decreased on Tuesday as traders reduced their bets on short-term Federal Reserve interest rate increases, as worries about an increase in inflation subsided. A gauge of the dollar fell 0.1%, and Brent slightly decreased to $99.20 per barrel. A US barometer of Chinese-listed stocks ended a seven-day losing streak and increased by 0.6%.

With traders concentrating on indications of diplomatic progress despite ongoing strikes, the actions suggested rising confidence that the Middle East war will remain limited. Global shares have reached new highs as a result of the risk-on attitude, which has also allayed some worries that fresh inflationary pressures may make central bank policies more difficult.