Asian markets traded mostly higher in early deals on Wednesday, fuelled by a tech-led risk appetite. Semiconductor stocks extended their rally as strong guidance from chipmakers helped investors look past lingering AI valuation concerns. Hong Kong's Hang Seng was closed for a public holiday celebrating the HKSAR Establishment Day. Japan’s Nikkei advanced in the session as export-oriented sectors rallied, bolstered by the yen plunging to a fresh 40-year low against the dollar.
Nikkei up by 562.68 points or 0.80% to 70,625.00, Straits Times rose by 5.49 points or 0.11% to 5,176.14, Jakarta Composite higher by 37.84 points or 0.67% to 5,681.03, Taiwan weighted surged by 885.51 points or 1.92% to 47,011.42, Shanghai Composite soared by 44.25 points or 1.07% to 4,138.65, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index lifted by 1.47 points or 0.09% to 1,665.53.
On the flip side, KOSPI Index down by 83.38 points or 0.98% to 8,393.10.
