Asian Shares Hit Record Highs as KOSPI Jumps 3.41% on Truce Hopes, AI Rally
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 27
Asian Shares Hit Record Highs as KOSPI Jumps 3.41% on Truce Hopes, AI Rally
14 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 27
MSCI’s Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index rose 1.6% to a record high, while Japan’s Nikkei briefly topped 66,000 and South Korea’s KOSPI surged 3.41%.
AI-driven risk appetite from fresh U.S. stock-market highs combined with hopes a shaky U.S.-Iran ceasefire will hold, though traders said much of the good news is already priced in.
Samsung’s wage deal helped lift Seoul shares by averting a strike that threatened global chip supplies, while U.S. crude still held near $92.04 and Brent near $98.07 after the prior day’s spike.
The kiwi jumped 0.7% to $0.5878 after the RBNZ held rates at 2.25% in a split decision and signaled hikes may need to come sooner.
Iran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire, Rubio said a broader deal could take days, and investors now turn to U.S. PCE data and central-bank signals on whether the energy shock will fuel inflation.
As US-Iran tensions disrupt global trade, why is Asia seeing a record-breaking surge in investment?
How can record market highs and record geopolitical tensions coexist in the global economy?
With Washington and Tehran sending mixed signals, what is the real trigger for an all-out conflict?
Record Highs for Asian Stocks in May 2026: Tech Surge, Oil Shocks, and Geopolitical Risks
Overview
In late May 2026, Asian stock markets surged to record highs, led by Japanese and Chinese equities. This rally was fueled by a clear recovery in risk appetite across the Asia-Pacific, driven by robust demand in the AI and semiconductor cycle, strong performance in technology sectors, and a sense of geopolitical relief. Positive expectations around oil prices also supported market sentiment. Notably, China’s A-share market and companies like SMIC reached new highs, highlighting the region’s strength in semiconductors. Together, these factors created an optimistic yet cautious investment environment across Asia.