Asian Stocks Edge Higher as Tech Shares Rebound and U.S. Rate Cut Hopes Grow

Asian stock markets saw mostly positive movement on Tuesday, supported by a strong rebound in global technology shares and rising optimism that the U.S. Federal Reserve could cut interest rates in December. While the overall market tone improved, gains were somewhat limited due to geopolitical tensions and lingering fiscal concerns in key economies.

The upbeat sentiment followed a tech-driven rally on Wall Street, fueled by renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. Investors grew more confident after U.S. tech peers surged overnight, especially as markets increasingly priced in a potential Fed rate cut later this year. S&P 500 futures were steady during Asian trading hours, with traders awaiting delayed U.S. economic data for further direction.

Technology-heavy markets led regional performance. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index climbed 1.2%, boosted by strong buying in major internet and AI-related stocks. Alibaba Group gained nearly 3% ahead of its earnings release, supported by momentum from its Qwen AI app, which recorded over 10 million downloads in its first week. South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.9%, helped by bargain hunting after tech valuations were pressured by recent doubts surrounding the AI-driven rally. Mainland Chinese indexes also advanced, with the CSI 300 up 1.4% and the Shanghai Composite gaining 1.2% as local chip and tech names rebounded.

In contrast, Japanese stocks underperformed. The Nikkei 225 added 0.6%, while the TOPIX was flat as concerns over Japan’s fiscal stability weighed on investor sentiment. Rising political tension between China and Japan added pressure, particularly on travel and tourism shares. Airlines such as ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines declined after thousands of Chinese tourists reportedly canceled Japan-bound flights, dragging Chinese airline stocks lower as well.

Elsewhere, Australia’s ASX 200 and Singapore's Straits Times index posted slight declines. India’s Nifty 50 futures indicated a muted open after the benchmark slipped below 26,000 in the previous session.