Global Shares Rise Amid AI Stock Gains

Global shares experienced an upward trend on Thursday, mainly driven by advances in AI-related stocks such as computer chips. In Europe, the CAC 40 in France saw a minor increase of 0.1%, reaching 8,685.40, and Germany’s DAX rose by 0.4% to 26,445.93. Conversely, Britain’s FTSE 100 decreased by 0.4% to 10,791.07.

In the U.S., stock futures indicated a moderate rise. Dow futures increased by nearly 0.1%, settling at 53,921.00, while S&P 500 futures achieved almost a 0.1% rise to 7,775.25. Asian markets had notable movements earlier in the day. Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.2% to conclude at 68,308.59, and South Korea’s Kospi surged 3.6% to reach 6,813.34, boosted by a 4.9% jump in Samsung Electronics shares. SK Hynix, a computer chipmaker, rose sharply by 9%. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng decreased slightly by 0.2% to 25,378.14, and the Shanghai Composite index fell by 0.5% to 3,926.96. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 dropped by 0.2% to 9,188.50.

The market moves followed reports from several AI-related companies indicating better-than-expected earnings for the spring. Additionally, a report showed U.S. inflation aligning with forecasts for minor improvement. Analysts suggest that investors are becoming more selective with AI stocks instead of widely investing in the sector. Recently, AI stocks have experienced volatile swings, hitting record highs but later facing pressure over concerns of excessive valuations. Investors are interested in seeing AI companies justify their spending by demonstrating tangible profits and productivity gains, potentially increasing demand for chips and AI infrastructure.

In commodity markets, early Thursday dealings saw benchmark U.S. crude decrease by $1.18 to $82.08 per barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, fell by $1.17, reaching $87.81 per barrel. Currency trading presented the U.S. dollar slightly decreasing to 159.37 Japanese yen from 159.42 yen. The euro experienced a slight decline, costing $1.1526 compared to $1.1527. Exchange rate fluctuations have drawn attention following recent joint interventions by the U.S. and Japan to support the yen. Despite the dollar’s marginal drop against the yen, it remains above the 150 yen mark.