Asian Stocks Rally as Nvidia Earnings Boost Tech Shares, Samsung Jumps on Wage Deal

Asian stock markets surged on Thursday after strong earnings from Nvidia reignited investor confidence in artificial intelligence-related technology stocks. The positive momentum spread across regional markets, while Samsung Electronics posted sharp gains after reaching a tentative wage agreement with its labor union, helping avert a major strike.

South Korea’s KOSPI index led regional gains, soaring more than 8% in one of its strongest trading sessions in recent months. Samsung Electronics climbed nearly 8% after the company and its union agreed on a provisional pay deal, suspending plans for an 18-day strike involving around 48,000 workers. The agreement eased concerns about disruptions to global memory chip supplies at a time when AI-driven demand for semiconductors remains high.

Investor sentiment also improved following Nvidia’s stronger-than-expected quarterly results and optimistic revenue forecast. The AI chip giant’s performance reinforced expectations that global spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure and high-performance processors will remain robust throughout 2026. Technology and semiconductor shares across Asia reacted positively, with investors viewing Nvidia’s earnings as a strong signal of continued growth in the AI sector.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index jumped 3.7%, while the broader TOPIX index gained more than 2%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 1.6% after weaker employment data increased expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia may pause further interest rate hikes. India’s Nifty 50 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index also traded higher.

Meanwhile, Chinese markets underperformed compared to regional peers as concerns persisted over the country’s struggling property sector and uncertainty surrounding additional government stimulus measures. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index remained largely flat.

Markets were further supported by easing geopolitical tensions after reports indicated oil tankers had resumed movement through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump also stated that negotiations with Iran were in their “final stages,” raising hopes for reduced tensions in the Middle East and improved stability in global energy markets.

Economic data released across Asia presented a mixed outlook. Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in April, the highest level since 2021, while Japan reported solid export growth despite signs of weakness in its services sector. Japan’s manufacturing activity continued expanding for an 11th consecutive month, although growth slowed due to weaker external demand and higher input costs.