Asia Markets Close Higher

Asian stock markets concluded the trading week on a strong footing, largely tracking an upbeat Wall Street session despite persistent, sector-specific anxieties over the AI technology bubble. Most major indices across the region finished substantially in the green, with key gains seen in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul.

The Nikkei 225 in Tokyo was the standout performer, surging 1.37% to close at 50,836.55. The rally was fueled by strength in the technology sector, notably a jump in Softbank Group shares following reports of a potential acquisition, and overall positive momentum ahead of next week's Bank of Japan policy meeting.

In Greater China, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong delivered a strong showing, climbing 1.75% to 25,976.79. Mainland Chinese shares also advanced, with the Shanghai Composite picking up 0.41% to finish at 3,889.35. Sentiment was cautiously lifted after China's key Central Economic Work Conference reaffirmed a commitment to "proactive" fiscal measures to bolster consumption and investment in 2026.

Elsewhere, South Korea’s Kospi also saw robust gains, rising 1.4% to 4,167.16. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 1.2% to 8,697.30, supported by broad-based sector strength.

The positive regional performance comes despite a fresh decline in U.S. technology stocks overnight, which saw shares in Oracle and Broadcom drop sharply on AI-related spending and margin concerns. Investors largely focused on the broader, more optimistic global outlook following the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut and a less hawkish-than-expected policy signal.