Business · Markets · 2 hrs ago
Asian stocks rise as renewed AI optimism lifts markets
Asian stocks rose as renewed confidence in artificial intelligence investments lifted markets.
The gains followed a rise on Wall Street, with South Korea’s Kospi index up 2.6%.
SK Hynix shares climbed after the chipmaker reported higher operating profit than analysts had expected.
The company also plans to return 100 trillion won to shareholders in 2026.
Recent AI-related fundraising and business deals helped ease concerns that had weighed on chip stocks earlier this month.
Major technology earnings and central bank decisions are next, with Alphabet and Microsoft due to report Wednesday, Amazon on Thursday, and the Federal Reserve expected to keep interest rates steady Wednesday.
Asian stocks rose as renewed optimism about artificial intelligence lifted markets.
The MSCI Asia Pacific Index gained 0.6%, while benchmarks in Australia, Japan and South Korea advanced.
South Korea’s Kospi climbed 2.6%, with SK Hynix shares rising after the chipmaker reported operating profit above estimates.
The gains followed a rise in US chip stocks and Wall Street benchmarks on Tuesday.
Investors were watching for earnings from major technology companies and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision.
- Who
- Asian stock markets and investors.
- What
- Asian stocks rose as renewed optimism about artificial intelligence lifted equities.
- When
- Published October 28, 2026; the article describes gains ahead of expected events on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Where
- Asian markets, including Australia, Japan and South Korea.
- Why
- Renewed enthusiasm for AI-related investment lifted equities, alongside gains in US chip stocks.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A gauge of US chipmakers jumped 3.6%, helping send Wall Street benchmarks higher.
US consumer confidence unexpectedly rose in October for the first time in four months.
Alphabet and Microsoft were preparing to report earnings, and the Federal Reserve was due to decide on interest rates.
Amazon.com was due to announce earnings.
- MSCI Asia Pacific Index
- Rose 0.6%
- Kospi Index
- Rose 2.6%
- SK Hynix shareholder returns
- 100 trillion won ($75.4 billion) planned for 2026
- US chipmakers gauge
- Rose 3.6% on Tuesday
- Meta share sale
- $25 billion; five times oversubscribed
What people are saying
A wave of AI news sparked a relief rally after three weeks of pressure on the group
A hawkish hold seems to be the baseline but we would argue that the market might be underestimating the risks for a hike