Wall Street Recovers: Asian stock markets showed mixed performance on Friday after Wall Street steadied and ended a two-day losing streak.
Investors across the region took comfort from strong gains in AI and technology stocks, especially after positive updates from major chipmakers. At the same time, US futures edged higher, and oil prices slipped, helping to calm global market nerves.
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This mix of signals made trading cautious but hopeful, as markets looked for direction from economic data, corporate earnings, and global political developments.
Wall Street Finds Balance After Recent Losses
Wall Street Recovers: US markets showed signs of stability on Thursday, which helped set the tone for Asian trading.
- The S&P 500 rose 0.3%
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.6%
- The Nasdaq Composite added 0.2%
These gains came mainly from a rebound in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, which had faced some selling pressure earlier in the week. Investors appeared more confident after fresh signals that demand for AI-related products remains strong.
Tech Stocks Boost Asian Markets
Strong Results from Chip Industry Lift Sentiment
Asian technology stocks recovered momentum after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported strong profits and announced continued investment plans. TSMC is a key supplier to many global tech companies, so its performance often reflects the health of the entire tech sector.
- TSMC shares rose 2.7%
- Taiwan’s main index, Taiex, climbed 2%
TSMC also said it is seeing continued strong demand, which gave a positive signal to the growing AI industry.
Nvidia and AI Frenzy Continue
The global excitement around AI technology pushed major US chip stocks higher. Nvidia shares rose 2.1%, supported by confidence that AI demand is not slowing down. Although some investors worry that AI stocks may be priced too high, fresh earnings and demand signals helped rebuild trust.
Asian Market Performance Snapshot
Here is a quick look at how major Asian markets performed:
| Market | Index | Movement |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Nikkei 225 | 0.1% |
| Hong Kong | Hang Seng | 0.3% |
| China | Shanghai Composite | 0.2% |
| South Korea | Kospi | 0.4% |
| Australia | S&P/ASX 200 | 0.4% |
| India | Sensex | 0.4% |
South Korea’s Kospi continued to trade near record highs, supported by renewed confidence in AI-linked stocks. India and Australia also saw modest gains, following the global positive mood.
US–Taiwan Trade Deal Adds Confidence
Investor confidence also improved after the United States and Taiwan signed a major trade deal. The agreement includes $250 billion in new investments by Taiwanese semiconductor and tech companies in the US. In return, the US plans to cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods.
This deal aims to:
- Strengthen economic ties
- Support US industrial infrastructure
- Secure semiconductor supply chains
Markets viewed this partnership as a long-term positive for both economies.
Oil Prices Fall, Easing Market Worries
Oil prices moved lower, which helped reduce inflation fears and market stress.
- US crude oil fell to $58.96 per barrel
- Brent crude dropped to $63.60 per barrel
Prices declined after comments suggested that tensions near major oil-producing regions could ease. Lower oil prices often support stock markets because they reduce costs for businesses and consumers.
Strong US Economic Data Supports Stocks
Positive US economic reports also lifted market confidence:
- Fewer workers applied for unemployment benefits, suggesting layoffs may be slowing
- Manufacturing activity was stronger than expected in parts of the US
- Small-cap stocks performed well, with the Russell 2000 index rising 0.9%
Large asset manager BlackRock also boosted sentiment after reporting stronger profits and revenue, pushing its shares up nearly 6%.
Currency Markets Update
In currency trading:
- The US dollar weakened slightly against the Japanese yen
- The euro strengthened marginally against the dollar
These small moves reflected calmer global trading conditions.
Global markets ended the week on a steadier note as Wall Street stabilized, AI stocks rebounded, and oil prices declined. Asian markets showed mixed but mostly calm performance, supported by strong tech earnings, positive trade developments, and encouraging US economic data.
While investors remain cautious due to global risks and upcoming economic reports, the overall mood has improved. If technology demand stays strong and inflation pressures remain controlled, markets could continue to find support in the days ahead.
FAQs
Why were Asian markets mixed today?
Asian markets reacted to a mix of positive signals from US stocks and tech earnings, while some investors stayed cautious ahead of economic data.
Why are AI stocks important for global markets?
AI stocks like chipmakers drive growth expectations because they support new technologies used across many industries.
How do falling oil prices affect stock markets?
Lower oil prices reduce costs for companies and consumers, which often supports stock market gains.


