New Delhi, Aug 27: Asian stock markets ended on a mixed note on Thursday as investors balanced optimism over strong technology earnings with concerns surrounding inflation, interest rates and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Technology stocks remained in focus after Nvidia reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results and delivered an upbeat outlook, renewing confidence in the global artificial intelligence and semiconductor industry. The positive sentiment helped lift chip-related stocks across parts of Asia.
South Korea’s Kospi gained around 1.5 per cent, supported by strong performances from major technology and semiconductor companies. Taiwan’s market also advanced, while Japan’s Nikkei slipped around 0.2 per cent. Hong Kong stocks remained under pressure as investors continued to assess broader economic and geopolitical risks.
The upbeat response to Nvidia’s results provided a welcome boost to Asian technology shares. Strong demand for AI-related hardware has increased expectations that semiconductor manufacturers and companies across the technology supply chain could continue to benefit from higher investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
However, investors remained cautious as inflation continues to influence expectations for global interest rates. Recent US data showed that inflation remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2 per cent target, keeping monetary policy firmly in focus.
Market participants are now turning their attention to Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s upcoming speech at the Jackson Hole economic symposium. Investors are hoping for clearer signals on the direction of US interest rates, particularly as persistent inflation could limit the scope for monetary easing.
Oil prices and geopolitical developments are also expected to remain important factors for regional markets. Any significant movement in energy prices could affect inflation expectations and the outlook for Asian economies that rely heavily on energy imports.
Despite these uncertainties, the strength of the technology sector is providing an important source of support for regional equities. The continued expansion of AI investment has improved sentiment towards semiconductor and technology companies, helping offset some of the pressure from higher inflation and geopolitical risks.
Overall, Asian markets remain cautiously optimistic, with investors closely watching technology earnings, energy prices and central-bank signals for the next major direction. The combination of strong AI demand and evolving global monetary policy is likely to keep regional markets active in the coming sessions.