Global Shares Rise with AI Stocks, Currency Fluctuations Observed

Global stock markets saw a rise on Thursday, primarily driven by gains in AI-related stocks, including computer chipmakers. In Europe, France’s CAC 40 increased by 0.1% to 8,685.40, while Germany’s DAX climbed 0.4% to 26,445.93. The UK’s FTSE 100, however, dipped by 0.4% to 10,791.07.

U.S. markets prepared for a modest upward trend, with Dow futures increasing nearly 0.1% to 53,921.00 and S&P 500 futures gaining nearly 0.1% to 7,775.25. Asian markets experienced varied outcomes. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose by 1.2% to close at 68,308.59. South Korea’s Kospi saw a significant jump of 3.6% to 6,813.34, driven by a 4.9% surge in Samsung Electronics shares. SK Hynix, a computer chipmaker, rose impressively by 9%.

Contrarily, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 0.2% to 25,378.14, and China’s Shanghai Composite index fell 0.5% to 3,926.96. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 went down by 0.2% to 9,188.50.

On the previous day, several AI-focused companies reported earnings exceeding analysts’ expectations, alongside reports indicating U.S. inflation matched predictions of slight improvement. This has led investors to scrutinize individual AI stocks, seeking sustainable investment opportunities. AI stocks recently have experienced volatility, sharply rising to new heights and then facing selling pressure due to overvaluation concerns. Investors now expect AI-related firms to demonstrate productivity and profitability from their sizable investments, fueling continued demand for AI infrastructure and chips.

In commodities, benchmark U.S. crude decreased by $1.18 to $82.08 per barrel, whereas Brent crude dropped by $1.17 to $87.81 a barrel.

Currency markets saw the U.S. dollar slide to 159.37 Japanese yen from 159.42 yen, while the euro slightly decreased to $1.1526 from $1.1527. There has been attention on foreign exchange movements following joint actions by the U.S. and Japan to support the yen. Despite a small decline against the yen, the dollar stays above 150 yen.