Asian markets forged higher Tuesday after another day of gains on Wall Street led by technology stocks. U.S. futures were nearly flat and oil prices edged higher. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225, reopening after a national holiday, jumped 1.6% to 38,835.10. The advance was led by semiconductor companies like Tokyo Electron, which closed 4.8% higher, and Advantest, which picked up 2.2%. The Kospi in South Korea surged 2.1% to 2,731.83, helped by big tech companies like Samsung Electronics, which racked up a 4.5% gain, and smaller rival SK Hynix, which added 3.7%. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng shed 0.5% to 18,470.90. But the Shanghai Composite index recovered from early losses, gaining 0.3% to 3,148.56. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 1.3% to 7,781.70 after the central bank decided to keep interest rates unchanged at 4.35%. While the Reserve Bank of Australia has likely set the bar high for any rate hikes, it “will probably need to see several more months of soft data before it is confident that it can loosen policy settings. All told, rate cuts will likely take longer to materialize than most are anticipating,” Abhijit Surya of Capital Economics said in a commentary. |
AI takes center stage at Beijing Film FestMonica Garcia suffers pregnancy loss: RHOSLC star, 39, reveals she lost her babyChina's envoy in Washington urges US to avoid Thucydides Trap in bilateral tiesMike Trout is healthy and producing. That hasn't been enough for the Shohei OhtaniIsraeli FM says 'will suspend' Rafah operation if hostage deal reached: MediaPalestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 34,388: MinistryChina, Cambodia to move forward in building highNepal general advocates enhanced ChinaPalestinian death toll in Gaza rises to 34,388: MinistryA kidnapped Pakistani judge has been freed in a late