AI Comeback Sparks Global Market Rally
After days of heavy selling, AI stocks came roaring back.
Asian markets surged as investors regained confidence after blockbuster earnings from Microsoft and Amazon reignited optimism around the AI story.
South Korea Steals the Show
• Kospi jumped as much as 17%, its biggest intraday gain on record.
• SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics both surged around 20%.
• Japan’s Nikkei also climbed more than 4%.
Wall Street Reignites AI Optimism
• Microsoft soared after strong earnings.
• Amazon jumped on accelerating cloud growth.
• AI chip stocks posted their biggest rally in over a year.
Investors are once again betting that massive AI investments could eventually deliver strong returns.
Not Everyone Joined the Party
Apple moved in the opposite direction.
The stock fell after warning that supply shortages could impact upcoming sales.
Japan’s Big Decision
The Bank of Japan left interest rates unchanged.
The yen weakened after Thursday’s sharp rally, while investors now wait for Governor Kazuo Ueda’s comments for clues on the next move.
Relief Rally or Real Recovery?
Many investors believe recent selling was driven more by leveraged positions than weakening business fundamentals.
The big question now is whether this is the start of a sustained recovery or simply a short term bounce.
Corporate Watch
• Meta has committed nearly $700 billion toward AI infrastructure and data centers.
• Oracle is expanding its AI partnership with Google Cloud.
• DeepSeek is reportedly planning a massive AI data center in Inner Mongolia.
• Sony raised its profit outlook on strong entertainment business performance.
• Tesla is reportedly preparing for a possible separation of its China business ahead of a potential merger.
Macro Market Check
• US Treasury yields remained elevated after the Fed held rates steady.
• Oil slipped after a strong monthly rally.
• Gold eased slightly as the dollar strengthened.
What Investors Are Watching Next
Markets are now focused on whether today’s rally marks the return of the AI bull market or just a temporary rebound after a sharp correction.