On Wednesday morning (18 February, 9:21 AM, GMT+7, Bangkok time), the Asia Pacific markets saw modest gains amid subdued trading, as several exchanges, including those in China and Hong Kong, remained shut for the Lunar New Year.
Lingering unease about artificial intelligence continued to affect investor confidence. A hub for semiconductor and technology manufacturing, like Asia, faces ongoing concerns about the disruptive impact of AI and skepticism over the potential for near-term returns on the large-scale investments flowing into the sector.
Separately, Japan has announced a $36 billion investment into U.S. oil, gas, and key minerals projects. This move marks the initial phase of Japan’s broader $550 billion commitment outlined in its agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Japan’s NIKKEI surged by 1.12% to 57,198.63, and Australia’s ASX 200 rose by 0.29% to 8,985.30.
The U.S. stock markets edged up on Tuesday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) climbed by 0.07% to 49,533.19. NASDAQ grew by 0.14% to 22,578.38, and S&P 500 increased by 0.10% to 6,843.22. VIX dropped by 4.29% to 20.29.
As for commodities, oil prices settled lower on Tuesday as market participants responded to indications that diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran may be easing. Iran’s foreign minister reported progress in talks with the U.S., highlighting an agreement on key principles during a second round of indirect negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program in Geneva. However, an immediate resolution to the dispute is not yet certain. Brent crude settled at $67.42 per barrel, down $1.23, or 1.8%, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude finished 56 cents lower, at $62.33 per barrel, declining 0.9%.
This morning, Brent crude futures gained 7 cents, or 0.10%, to $67.49 per barrel, and the WTI advanced 4 cents, or 0.06%, to $62.37 per barrel.
Meanwhile, gold futures expanded by 0.22% to $4,916.50 per Troy ounce.
