Asian equities mostly rose on Thursday, led by China and Japan. The CSI 300 climbed nearly 2% as chipmakers rallied, while Japan’s Nikkei surged past 44,200 to a new record high.
Optimism around artificial intelligence stocks, bolstered by Oracle’s upbeat results, combined with growing expectations of a Fed rate cut next week, lifted overall sentiment. Traders are awaiting U.S. August CPI data later in the day for further policy cues.
In Japan, the resignation of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba fueled hopes for looser fiscal and monetary policies, driving a rebound in equities. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index consolidated near a four-year high, reflecting resilient regional confidence.
Elsewhere, South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.4%, Singapore traded flat, Australia’s ASX 200 fell 0.5%, and Indian equities opened steady.
