Global equity markets rise on AI stock gains as oil prices dip
Major indices in Europe and Asia posted modest gains, driven by stronger performance in artificial-intelligence related shares, while oil prices fell and the U.S. dollar slipped against the yen.
Global equity markets were broadly higher on Thursday, buoyed by gains in artificial-intelligence-related stocks, particularly semiconductor makers. France’s CAC 40 inched up 0.1% to 8,685.40 and Germany’s DAX rose 0.4% to 26,445.93, while Britain’s FTSE 100 fell 0.4% to 10,791.07. In the United States, futures indicated a modest rise, with the Dow near 53,921 and the S&P 500 futures around 7,775.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.2% to close at 68,308.59. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 3.6% to 6,813.34, led by a 4.9% surge in Samsung Electronics and a 9% rise in SK Hynix. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.2% to 25,378.14 and Shanghai’s Composite fell 0.5% to 3,926.96. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.2% to 9,188.50.
Analysts noted that several AI-focused companies reported earnings that exceeded spring expectations, and a recent inflation report showed U.S. price growth in line with forecasts, supporting a slightly more optimistic outlook. They added that investors are now scrutinizing individual AI stocks rather than broadly chasing the sector.
Oil prices eased, with U.S. crude falling $1.18 to $82.08 a barrel and Brent crude down $1.17 to $87.81. The U.S. dollar weakened to 159.37 yen, after recent coordinated interventions by U.S. and Japanese authorities to support the yen, while the euro slipped marginally to $1.1526.