The Asian session opened with a modest equity rally, driven by a surge in semiconductor stocks after a leading Taiwanese chipmaker reported better‑than‑expected earnings. The Nikkei 225 climbed roughly 0.5% and the Hang Seng added about 0.3% as tech‑heavy indices outperformed the broader market.
Currency flows shifted toward higher‑yielding units as the greenback softened. The Japanese yen weakened further, staying near the lower end of its recent range after domestic inflation data proved subdued. The Chinese yuan held steady following a marginally stronger PBOC reference rate, while the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar each gained around 0.2%, lifted by firmer commodity prices.
Commodities were mixed. Brent crude remained close to the $78‑per‑barrel region, supported by a slight uptick in global demand expectations. Gold slipped to a one‑week low, while copper advanced on supply constraints in Chile and Peru, helping commodity‑linked currencies retain upside.
Digital assets stayed volatile but trimmed early losses. Bitcoin hovered just above the $45 k level as institutional inflows continued, while Ether slipped modestly amid a quiet network‑upgrade schedule. Overall risk appetite remained cautious yet constructive, with market participants watching the upcoming US payroll data for further directional cues.
Disclaimer: This note is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Trading in financial markets involves substantial risk, and you should conduct your own due diligence before making any decisions.