Asian Stocks Mixed as AI Chip Rally Meets Oil Surge 
European Stocks Flat as Iran Tensions, ECB Rate Hike Loom 
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone as Hormuz Tensions Push Oil Higher 
Canada Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Take Effect 
Iran Vows Tougher Response as U.S. Sanctions Squeeze Economy 
UK House Prices Fall for First Time Since 2023 
Japan GDP Growth Beats Forecast, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Bets 
Gold Prices Rebound as Dollar Weakens, Fed Decision Looms 
Japanese Yen Nears Seven-Month High as Oil Approaches $100 
Asian Currencies Mixed as Yen Rallies on BOJ Bets 
UK Food Inflation Forecast to Hit 6.4% by Mid-2027 
US Stock Futures Mixed as Fed Rate Hike Bets Rise 
China Boosts Gold Reserves by 650,000 Ounces as Prices Rally 
Brent Oil Tops $100 as Middle East Conflict Threatens Supply 
US Bans Canadian Alcohol, Motorcycles as Trade War Escalates 
Oil Prices Rally as Brent Nears $100 on U.S.-Iran Escalation 
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Asian semiconductor stocks climbed on Thursday after the U.S. Commerce Department lifted export restrictions on chip design software to China, following a recent trade agreement between Washington and Beijing. The move is seen as a step toward easing ongoing tech tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
Leading American chip design firms Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS) and Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:CDNS) confirmed they can now resume supplying electronic design automation (EDA) tools to Chinese companies. The resumption of access to these critical tools sparked optimism across Asia's chip sector.
South Korea’s Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) surged nearly 3%, while SK Hynix (KS:000660) rose 0.8% on expectations that the policy shift will help secure essential design technologies. In Japan, Renesas Electronics (TYO:6723) gained almost 5%, and Tokyo Electron Ltd. (TYO:8035) advanced 1.8%.
In China, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (HK:0981) traded slightly lower despite a broader market downturn, while Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd (HK:1347) edged up 0.3%. Shenzhen-listed NAURA Technology Group (SZ:002371), a key chipmaking equipment supplier, added 1%.
Beijing had previously cited U.S. export restrictions on chip technology as a major friction point. The rollback of these restrictions marks a notable concession and could pave the way for more cooperation in high-tech sectors.
The rally underscores investor confidence that reduced export barriers may support supply chain stability and benefit semiconductor manufacturers across Asia. The easing of EDA tool access is especially critical for China’s chip development ambitions amid ongoing efforts to boost domestic semiconductor capabilities.
