Tokyo: Asian shares exhibited mixed trends on Friday as Wall Street managed to stabilize after a two-day losing streak, edging back toward record levels. The recovery was largely driven by gains in major technology stocks such as Nvidia. U.S. futures showed positive movement, while oil prices experienced a slight decline.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the tech sector regained momentum following a robust quarterly profit report from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a key supplier to the tech industry. TSMC shares rose by 2.7% early Friday, boosting Taiwan's benchmark Taiex by 2%. The company's strong performance was attributed to continued strong demand, as stated by TSMC's Chief Financial Officer Wendell Huang, signaling positive prospects for the AI industry. TSMC's U.S.-traded stock increased by 4.4% on Thursday.
The gains coincided with a new U.S.-Taiwan trade agreement involving $250 billion in new investments by Taiwan's semiconductor and tech companies in the United States. As part of the agreement, the U.S. administration will reduce tariffs on Taiwanese goods, aiming to forge a strategic economic partnership and enhance U.S. industrial infrastructure.
Market performances across Asia varied, with Tokyo's Nikkei 225 declining by 0.1% to 54,062.28 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropping 0.3% to 26,851.69. The Shanghai Composite index decreased by 0.2% to 4,103.45. South Korea's Kospi showed a 0.4% rise to 4,814.21, sustained by a resurgence in AI-related stocks. Australia's S and P/ASX 200 and India's Sensex both recorded a 0.4% increase.
On Wall Street, the stabilization on Thursday was bolstered by a rebound in artificial-intelligence stocks. The S and P 500 rose by 0.3% to 6,944.47, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.6% to 49,442.44, and the Nasdaq composite climbed by 0.2% to 23,530.02. The easing of oil prices contributed to calming investor concerns.
U.S. crude oil prices stood at $58.96 per barrel early Friday, with a slight drop from the previous day. The decrease followed comments from the U.S. administration suggesting a de-escalation of tensions in Iran, potentially reducing risks to global oil supply. Brent crude also fell, reaching $63.60 per barrel.
The earnings season for major U.S. companies progressed, with several financial firms reporting better-than-expected results for the final quarter of 2025. BlackRock saw a 5.9% rise in its stock following strong profit and revenue figures. Positive economic reports from the U.S., such as reduced unemployment claims and stronger manufacturing activity, further buoyed market sentiment, particularly benefiting smaller companies, as indicated by a 0.9% rise in the Russell 2000 index.
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar experienced a slight decline against the Japanese yen, and the euro saw a marginal increase against the dollar.