Asian financial markets rose on Wednesday, led by Korean chipmakers, as investors doubled down on artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. The yen also remained in focus amid ongoing monetary policy discussions.
Investors, still shaken by recent volatility, are awaiting U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening in Washington, where comments could touch on trade, affordability, and Iran.
MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index ex-Japan was up 1% in early trading. Japan’s Nikkei hit a record high, rising 1.1% to 57,956.92, while the broader Topix edged up 0.07% to 3,818.73. South Korea’s KOSPI climbed nearly 1.7%, trading above 6,000 for the first time and up 44% for the year.
The global memory chip shortage has fueled strong gains for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, whose shares have doubled since October, as cash surged into the AI supply chain. Nvidia Corp is set to report fourth-quarter results after the U.S. market close.
In China and Hong Kong, the CSI300 gained 0.3% and the Hang Seng added 0.36%. Australia’s S&P/ASX200 reached a record high, up as much as 1.1%, despite higher consumer prices raising the prospect of further interest rate hikes.
The yen strengthened 0.12% to 155.7 per dollar after a 0.8% drop on Tuesday. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reportedly expressed reservations about further rate hikes to Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, adding uncertainty ahead of new BOJ board member nominations. The dollar index fell 0.05% to 97.84, while the euro edged up to $1.1777.
U.S. Treasury yields were mostly flat, with the 10-year note at 4.039% and the 30-year at 4.6933%. Crude oil rose 0.75%, with WTI at $66.12 a barrel and Brent at $71.30. Spot gold held steady at $5,138.49 an ounce, while silver dipped 0.43% to $86.96.
AI sentiment rebounded after San Francisco-based startup Anthropic unveiled 10 new AI plugin applications for business clients, reviving hopes of profit growth across multiple sectors. Analysts caution, however, that not all AI investments may yield returns.
Fed officials, including Lisa Cook and Austan Goolsbee, noted signs of U.S. labor market stabilization, but emphasized inflation remains a key factor for policy decisions. ANZ forecasts the Fed may start easing rates in the second quarter, with 75 basis points of cuts expected this year.
JXG Transforms Finance with Strategic Diversification and Bold Growth Vision
JXG (Janashakthi Group) is redefining the financial landscape in Sri Lanka with its vision of “Breaking Barriers, Forging Futures.” The conglomerate unites insurance, capital markets, and non-banking finance under a single, powerful identity, delivering innovation and sustainable growth across the nation.
Through its three pillars—Janashakthi Life, First Capital, and Janashakthi Finance—JXG combines protection, access, and growth to meet the diverse financial needs of individuals, families, and businesses. For decades, the Group has earned the trust of its customers: securing life insurance and peace of mind, growing investor wealth, and enabling steady financial progress for businesses and individuals.
Ramesh Schaffter, Managing Director and Group CEO of JXG, highlights the unique strength of the integrated model:
“Our strategy envisions our three pillars operating as a unified ecosystem, allowing clients to access capital markets expertise, secure financing, and build long-term security—all within a single conglomerate framework. By 2026, we aim to deepen this approach locally and extend it regionally.”
JXG’s forward-looking approach prioritizes financial inclusion, innovation, and resilience, ensuring that its services create tangible value for households and businesses alike. The Group also emphasizes meaningful partnerships, collaborating with trusted institutions and forward-thinking enterprises to accelerate growth and reinforce its legacy as a market leader.
At the core of JXG’s success are its people. With a culture rooted in trust, purpose, and performance, the Group has achieved a 97% positive response rate in its ‘Great Place To Work’ ratings. Programs such as the Apprentice Director Programme and Management Trainee Programme reflect JXG’s commitment to nurturing talent and empowering the next generation of leaders.
By 2026, JXG aims to expand its integrated financial services to touch every Sri Lankan household and carry its values beyond the domestic market—reimagining finance as a holistic force that drives growth, opportunity, and transformation across communities.
Asian Markets Climb on Optimism Over AI; All Eyes on Trump’s Upcoming Speech
