Asian stocks hit record highs as AI-linked rally boosts Japan, South Korea and Taiwan

Asian equities climbed to record highs on Thursday, led by Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, as strong technology earnings sustained demand for shares tied to artificial-intelligence themes.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped nearly 6% asourceser returning from a holiday, extending its year-to-date gain to about 25%.

AI demand boosts chipmakers South Korea’s KOSPI has gained 75% in 2026 and Taiwan’s benchmark index is up 45%, both outpacing the Nasdaq’s 11% rise and the S&P 500’s nearly 8% increase over the same period.

The rally has been particularly strong among memory chipmakers on expectations of AI-driven demand. Samsung Electronics’ market capitalization has risen above $1 trillion, while SK Hynix is not far off. A shortage of memory chips has supported shares of major producers, according to the report.

Yen steadies as traders watch for intervention The Japanese yen was steady at 156.35 per U.S. dollar. Traders remained alert for signs of official action asourceser abrupt moves in recent sessions.

Sources told sources that Tokyo intervened last Thursday, with money-market data suggesting authorities sold about $35 billion to support the currency.

Oil hovers near $100 as markets weigh Middle East outlook Oil prices hovered near $100 per barrel as investors monitored discussions around a possible Middle East peace deal that could ease supply concerns. Even so, prices remained well above levels seen before the war began, the report said.