Nomura CIO Says Asia Chip Rally Largely Justified by Earnings
Nomura Wealth Management's North Asia CIO says the semiconductor rally in Asia is mostly justified by earnings growth, though valuations have also reset higher.

Julia Wang, Chief Investment Officer for North Asia at Nomura International Wealth Management, stated that the ongoing rally in Asian semiconductor stocks is largely justified by earnings growth, though valuations have also reset higher. Speaking at the Nomura Investment Forum Asia in Singapore, Wang provided a measured assessment of the sector's recent surge.
The chip sector across Asia has seen a significant uptick, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence and advanced computing. Wang noted that earnings growth has been robust, supporting the price moves. However, she acknowledged that valuations have also expanded, meaning some of the rally reflects multiple expansion rather than purely fundamental improvements. For equities traders, this distinction is crucial: while the trend may have further room to run, the risk of a pullback increases if earnings fail to meet elevated expectations. NowPrice offers real-time quotes on major Asian chip stocks, allowing traders to track the latest levels.
Looking ahead, Wang's comments suggest that investors should focus on earnings delivery in the coming quarters. Key data points to watch include upcoming earnings reports from major chipmakers and any shifts in AI-related demand. If earnings continue to surprise to the upside, the rally could sustain; otherwise, valuations may come under pressure. The broader market will also monitor central bank policies and trade dynamics, which could influence sector performance.