Asia-Pacific equities climbed to fresh record highs on Thursday, extending gains from Wall Street after a technology-driven rally eased concerns about artificial intelligence-led disruption across key industries.
Investor sentiment was buoyed by stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings from Nvidia, reinforcing confidence in sustained demand for AI infrastructure and prompting renewed buying across global technology stocks.
By 11:35 am AEDT (12:35 am GMT), Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 had risen 0.5%, reaching a fresh all-time high.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 added 0.7% to notch a new record. South Korea’s KOSPI 200 also outperformed, climbing 1.5% to trade at a fresh historical peak.
Investors in Seoul were digesting the latest policy decision from the Bank of Korea as policymakers kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.5% for a sixth consecutive meeting, citing stronger-than-expected growth momentum while seeking to preserve financial stability amid a weak won and an unsettled housing market.
The regional strength followed a positive lead from the United States. On Wednesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all closed higher, gaining 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.3%, respectively.
The advance was driven largely by technology shares as investors set aside earlier worries about the disruptive potential and cost implications of rapid AI adoption.
Commodity markets also reflected the improved risk tone. Brent crude futures edged 0.2% higher to settle at US$70.69 per barrel. Spot gold rose 0.4% to US$5,163.58 per ounce.
In mainland China, the SSE Composite Index gained 0.7% to close at 4,147.2, while the CSI 300 advanced 0.6% to 4,735.9.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.7% to 26,765.7, extending recent gains in technology and property counters. In India, the BSE Sensex edged up 0.1% to 82,276.1.
European markets also touched record levels overnight. The FTSE 100 climbed 1.2% to close at a record 10,806.4. Germany’s DAX rose 0.8% to 25,175.9, while France’s CAC 40 added 0.5% to finish at a record 8,559.1.
