Asian shares rally after Dow record, AI stocks bounce back
Asian markets rallied on Friday, led by South Korea's Kospi recovering nearly 3% after a sharp selloff, as AI-related stocks bounced back and oil prices rose.
Asian shares rallied on Friday, following the Dow Jones Industrial Average's record close, as some key AI-related stocks bounced back from recent losses.
South Korea's Kospi surged 2.8% to 7,863.22, recovering nearly 8% of its Thursday plunge. Samsung Electronics, the country's largest company and a major chipmaker, jumped 7%, while SK Hynix added 4.9%. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 rose 0.9% to 69,368.30, with memory maker Kioxia climbing 6.6%, though chipmaker Tokyo Electron slipped 2.5%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.7% to 23,444.45, and the Shanghai Composite also advanced. U.S. futures pointed moderately higher, and oil prices rose, adding to positive sentiment.
For energy traders, the rally in Asian equities signals improved risk appetite, which often supports crude oil demand expectations. The rise in oil prices alongside stocks reflects a broader market optimism that could tighten supply-demand balances. However, the mixed performance among AI chipmakers highlights lingering uncertainty in the tech sector, which may weigh on industrial demand for energy. Traders should monitor NowPrice's real-time fuel quotes for the latest price levels as markets digest these moves.
Looking ahead, investors will focus on upcoming U.S. economic data, including jobs reports and manufacturing figures, which could influence Federal Reserve policy and the dollar's strength. Any signs of sustained recovery in Asian demand, particularly from China, could further support oil prices. Key levels to watch include resistance near $80 for Brent crude and support around $75, with the next catalyst likely from OPEC+ supply decisions or geopolitical developments.