OIL NEARS $100 AS CHIP STOCKS RALLY
Asian markets are starting the day with a split story: AI is lifting chip stocks, while Middle East tensions are pushing oil sharply higher.
AI TRADE STAYS HOT
• Kospi jumps 1.3%, led by Samsung and SK Hynix
• Asian chip stocks extend their rally on strong AI demand
• Kospi is up 67% this year, making it the world’s best-performing major stock index
• Qualcomm adds Amazon as a major AI chip customer
• ASML wins backing from top chipmakers for its latest equipment
OIL WARNING: $100 NEXT
• Brent climbs close to $100 after US strikes on Iranian tankers
• Oil is already up more than 60% this year
• Goldman Sachs warns prices could reach $120 if shipping disruptions worsen
• Higher energy prices could put fresh pressure on inflation and interest rates
YEN & MARKETS
• Yen strengthens to 153.40 per dollar
• 10-year US Treasury yield near 4.80%
• Bitcoin rises toward $79,000
• Gold climbs above $4,370
THE BIG MARKET QUESTION
AI optimism is keeping chip stocks strong, but surging oil prices could become the next major threat for inflation and rate expectations.