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Emerging Asian equities advanced on Wednesday, led by strong gains in  South Korea and Taiwan’s technology sectors , as easing oil prices and optimism around artificial intelligence (AI) helped improve investor sentiment ahead of the  US Federal Reserve’s policy decision . Tech Stocks Drive Regional Gains Markets in  South Korea surged up to 4% , reaching their highest level since early March, while  Taiwan equities rose 1.7% , hitting a two-week high. The rally in these tech-heavy markets lifted the  MSCI Emerging Asia Index by 1.6% , as investors rotated back into  AI and semiconductor stocks , where earnings visibility remains strong. According to BNP Paribas Asset Management,  AI-driven demand and semiconductor strength  continue to underpin the region’s equity outlook despite broader uncertainties. ASEAN Markets Follow Higher The positive momentum extended across Southeast Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand markets rose around 1% The...

Global equities found temporary footing after oil prices retreated, but volatility remains elevated as the US–Israeli war with Iran continues to cloud the outlook for inflation and growth. While reports of a potential historic oil reserve release helped calm markets, investors remain focused on whether energy disruptions will persist — and for how long. Key Takeaways Shares rebound as oil pulls back from recent highs Brent crude volatile around US$87 per barrel Dollar remains the dominant safe-haven asset Bond yields steady but inflation fears linger Markets trading on headlines, not long-term outlook Oil Turbulence Drives Market Mood Brent crude swung between gains and losses, trading around US$87 per barrel, while US crude hovered near US$83. The pullback followed a report that the International Energy Agency proposed its largest-ever oil reserve release to ease supply pressure. However, markets remain sensitive to any signs of prolonged disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. Analy...

Quick Summary S&P 500 +0.8%, Nasdaq +1.4% , led by tech rebound Nvidia beats sales estimates , shares up after hours Bitcoin jumps near  US$69,000 Investors shrug off recent AI disruption fears Nvidia Restores Confidence in AI Narrative Shares of  Nvidia Corp  climbed about  1.5% after hours  after forecasting fiscal Q1 sales of  US$78 billion , well above the  US$72.8 billion consensus . Key point:  Nvidia’s guidance reinforces confidence that AI demand remains robust despite recent doubts over spending sustainability. Market watchers see Nvidia as the  bellwether of the AI boom , and its strong outlook helped lift a  US$700 billion S&P 500 ETF  in late trading. Tech Leads Second Straight Day of Gains During regular trading: S&P 500:  +0.8% Nasdaq 100:  +1.4% Dow Jones:  +0.6% MSCI World Index:  +0.8% The rebound followed earlier volatility sparked by a report warning about AI disruption risks across...

Quick Summary Global equities advanced  as investors leaned on earnings optimism Gold and silver hit fresh record highs  on safe-haven demand Oil prices jumped  on renewed US–Iran tensions Rate-cut expectations eased  after the Fed signalled a prolonged pause Stocks Hold Firm on Earnings Optimism World shares edged higher on Thursday as markets looked to  corporate earnings  to support valuations, even as expectations for near-term US rate cuts faded. Euro STOXX 600  rose  0.5% , supported by strength in  energy and basic resources UK, France and Spain posted gains, while  Germany slipped 0.6% S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures  rose around  0.3%  each Investors are closely watching results from  Apple , with analysts at  JPMorgan  expecting earnings to  beat consensus , driven by stronger-than-expected  iPhone 17 demand  and slower cost growth. Fed Signals: Last Cut May Be Behind Us The  Fed...