Asian Markets Rally
Asian stocks climbed, led by South Korea, as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix gained over 3% on optimism around continued AI infrastructure spending.
AI Spending Stays Strong
Alphabet raised its 2026 capital spending target to $205 billion, signalling that Big Tech is still investing heavily in AI.
Corporate Watch
The spotlight now shifts to earnings from Intel, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, with investors looking for evidence that AI spending is driving growth.
Oil Back Above $96
Brent crude climbed past $96 per barrel after attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea renewed supply concerns.
Markets Stay Cautious
US futures slipped as investors balanced AI optimism against higher oil prices, rising bond yields, and geopolitical risks.
Investor Takeaway
AI remains a powerful long-term theme, but the next phase will be driven by earnings, execution, and how companies convert AI investments into profits.