Nvidia's Gains Boost Asian Stocks Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Asian stocks rallied on Thursday after Nvidia's positive earnings report eased concerns over AI-driven disruptions and rising costs, while Japan's yen remained under pressure due to unclear rate prospects.

Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran kept oil prices elevated as the nations prepared for further negotiations. Nvidia's forecast of higher first-quarter revenue, fueled by Big Tech's investment in AI, reassured investors, contributing to Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high and a 2% rise in South Korea's KOSPI.

The yen was the focal point for currency traders as it neared a two-week low, following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's dovish monetary policy stance. Despite cautious optimism, energy markets remained volatile, with oil prices edging upwards due to fears of supply disruption from U.S.-Iran tensions.