Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Recovers, U.S. Economic Uncertainty Caps Gains

Most Asian stocks drifted higher on Wednesday, supported by a mild rebound in the battered technology sector, although persistent uncertainty surrounding the U.S. economy kept overall gains in check. Regional equity markets broadly followed a mixed overnight session on Wall Street, where investors remained cautious amid conflicting U.S. labor market signals and weaker-than-expected purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data.

Market sentiment stayed fragile as traders looked ahead to key U.S. inflation data. S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% in early Asian hours, highlighting investor hesitation before the release of U.S. consumer price index (CPI) figures due on Thursday. The data is widely seen as critical for gauging the Federal Reserve’s next policy steps and the broader outlook for the world’s largest economy.

Asian technology stocks recovered some lost ground after a sharp selloff over the past week, driven by profit-taking and doubts surrounding artificial intelligence valuations. South Korea’s KOSPI climbed 0.8%, rebounding from recent underperformance, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index added a modest 0.1%. Tech shares benefited from bargain hunting, particularly after supportive cues from U.S. markets.

In Hong Kong, robotaxi firms Pony AI and WeRide surged more than 3% each, tracking gains in Tesla after CEO Elon Musk said the company was testing robotaxis without human safety drivers. Apple suppliers in Asia also advanced, with shares of Lens Technology and LG Display rising after reports that Apple plans to expand its iPhone lineup and explore shifting some chip production to India.

Mainland Chinese markets edged higher as investors awaited additional fiscal stimulus from Beijing following weak November economic data. The CSI 300 gained 0.6%, while the Shanghai Composite rose 0.2%. Elsewhere, Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.4% and Singapore’s Straits Times index dropped 0.3%, despite stronger non-oil export data.

Indian equities were slightly lower, with the Nifty 50 down 0.1%, after the central bank governor signaled that interest rates may remain low for an extended period, while warning of potential growth risks from U.S. trade tariffs. Japanese stocks posted modest gains, with the Nikkei 225 up 0.3%, supported by stronger-than-expected export growth, though caution persisted ahead of upcoming CPI data and a closely watched Bank of Japan policy meeting.