Asian Stocks Rally as AI Optimism Lifts Markets; Yen Holds Gains Ahead of BOJ Decision

Asian stock markets surged on Friday, tracking a strong rebound on Wall Street as renewed confidence in artificial intelligence (AI) spending sparked a broad recovery in technology shares. South Korea’s Kospi led the gains with a record comeback after suffering heavy losses earlier in the week, raising hopes that the recent AI-driven market selloff may be nearing its end.

The rally followed better-than-expected earnings from Microsoft and Amazon, whose strong results and upbeat outlook reassured investors that demand for AI infrastructure remains robust despite concerns over rising capital expenditures. Japan’s Nikkei climbed 4.5%, while MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan advanced 4.6%. Nasdaq futures gained 0.6%, and S&P 500 futures rose 0.3%, pointing to continued strength in global equities.

Analysts said investor sentiment has improved after markets may have overreacted to worries surrounding AI-related spending. China also joined the recovery, with the CSI AI Index jumping more than 7% and the Hang Seng Tech Index posting modest gains.

Despite Friday’s sharp rebound, South Korea’s Kospi remained on course for its worst monthly performance since 1997, with losses exceeding 25% in July. The extreme volatility prompted South Korean regulators to tighten oversight of leveraged investment products that amplified retail investor losses.

Currency markets remained focused on the Japanese yen, which traded around 160.55 per dollar after staging a dramatic rebound from a 40-year low. The move followed suspected intervention by Japanese authorities, while reports suggested South Korea also sold dollars to support its currency. Traders were also watching the Bank of Japan’s policy decision, with expectations the central bank would keep interest rates unchanged.

The stronger yen weighed on the U.S. dollar, allowing the euro to hold near a one-month high at $1.1514, while the British pound remained firm around $1.3457.

Meanwhile, oil prices slipped despite continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Brent crude fell to about $88 per barrel and U.S. crude dropped below $82, even after a drone strike on gas vessels at Egypt’s Damietta port raised concerns over potential disruptions to shipping near the Suez Canal. Gold also edged lower, with spot prices easing to around $4,083 an ounce as investors shifted toward risk assets.