asian stock markets

In the cases of both South Korea and Taiwan, the stock market rally is fuelled by a powerful surge in semiconductor giants that are benefiting from the global artificial intelligence boom.

At a time of global economic turmoil, why are some global markets like the US, Taiwan and South Korea rallying? Why has the Indian stock market slipped from record highs, giving negative returns over the last few quarters?

Indian markets shrugged off rising oil prices due to US-Iran tensions, as tech giants like Nvidia propelled stocks near record highs. Strong corporate earnings, particularly from Science Applications International Corp., also bolstered investor confidence. Despite concerns about market concentration, the tech surge continues to drive Wall Street's optimism.

Wall Street neared record highs as falling crude oil prices eased inflation concerns, boosting investor sentiment. Major indices saw gains, with technology and retail stocks performing well. However, oil and gas companies faced pressure, while Treasury yields declined amid reduced inflation worries.

Companies are facing rising costs for both cans and glass bottles this summer, impacting beer and soft drink manufacturers. Supply disruptions from West Asia for aluminium cans and increased LPG costs have led to price hikes of 15-20% for packaging. Distributors anticipate a Rs 10 price increase for 300 ml Diet Coke cans.

Asian markets rallied Friday, buoyed by hopes of US-Iran peace talks, though volatile oil prices and Strait of Hormuz concerns fueled inflation worries. Tokyo led gains as investor sentiment improved. Despite diplomatic optimism, rising crude prices prompted reassessment of global interest rate expectations, with the US Federal Reserve potentially hiking rates later this year.

To limit the impact of these external shocks, the government has stepped up measures aimed at reducing foreign exchange outflows and stabilising the economy. These steps include increases in fuel prices and a sharp rise in import duties on precious metals.

Stock markets surged on Monday, with Sensex and Nifty crossing significant milestones. Easing West Asian tensions and falling crude oil prices fueled investor optimism, particularly after US President Trump indicated a deal with Iran was largely negotiated. Banking stocks led the rally, while global markets also saw gains.

India's crude oil and LPG supplies saw an improvement in May after disruptions in March and April, though not yet at pre-conflict levels. Russia remained the largest crude supplier, with the UAE emerging as the second-largest. While LPG imports from West Asia were disrupted, higher inflows from the US and domestic production helped meet demand.

US stocks edged higher, nearing record highs as easing bond market pressure and strong corporate earnings bolstered investor sentiment. Treasury yields slightly retreated, offering relief from rising borrowing costs. Oil prices also declined, though gasoline prices continued to climb. Investor focus now shifts to Nvidia's upcoming earnings report.

Asian markets saw a downturn Friday, with investor enthusiasm for AI stocks waning due to inflation worries, high oil prices, and Middle East tensions. Despite this, Wall Street reached new peaks overnight, buoyed by tech gains and strong corporate earnings. Investors are closely watching US-China trade talks for any significant breakthroughs.

Sanjay Mehrotra is CEO of Micron Technology, the memory-chip giant that just crossed a market cap of $1 trillion to break into the top 10 US companies by valuation

Indian equity benchmarks Sensex and Nifty closed lower on Tuesday after a late sell-off in heavyweight stocks like HDFC Bank and Reliance Industries erased early gains. Concerns over the rupee hitting a fresh record low and elevated crude oil prices also weighed on investor sentiment, though IT stocks provided some support.

Gold price prediction today: For both gold and silver prices, the near-term outlook remains weak, says Vedika Narvekar, Research Analyst - Commodities & Currencies, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers.

Gold price prediction today: Gold prices continue to be weighed down by inflation concerns amid geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices, says Praveen Singh, Head Currencies and Commodities, Mirae Asset ShareKhan.