SRMED
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Englishعربي
Asian stock markets in Korea and Taiwan have surged to record highs, propelled by the global chip and AI boom, while neighboring markets like Hong Kong and mainland China also posted strong gains driven by technology optimism. South Korea's KOSPI index jumped 1.6% to a record high, fueled by exporters and chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which hit new peaks on expectations of booming AI-driven demand for memory chips. Although specific details on Taiwan's markets were limited in recent reports, the island's dominance in semiconductor production—particularly through companies like TSMC—positions it as a key beneficiary of the same AI and chip frenzy boosting regional indices.
In Hong Kong and mainland China, technology shares led the charge amid renewed investor confidence in AI innovation. The Hang Seng Index climbed 1.4% to 26,608.48, with the Hang Seng Tech Index soaring 2.9%, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Mainland benchmarks followed suit: the CSI 300 advanced 0.65%, the Shanghai Composite gained 1.1%, and trading volume on Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges shattered records at 3.58 trillion yuan. AI-related stocks surged, with more than 70% of China's A-share tech sector closing higher, extending a rally that analysts see as signaling a sustained bull market into 2026.
This momentum builds on 2025's standout performance, where Chinese tech powered the Hang Seng to a 26.7% annual gain—its best since 2017—and the Shanghai Composite up 19.7%, its strongest in six years. Giants like Alibaba (up 73%), Tencent (43.65%), Baidu (59%), and chipmaker SMIC (more than doubled) benefited from AI advances and blockbuster IPOs, including AI chip startups Moore Threads and MetaX, which ended the year up over 400% from listing prices. Recent Hong Kong listings, such as AI firms Zhipu and MiniMax, drew strong buying interest, while robotics company Yunji Technology rose 26% on debut.
The rally persists despite geopolitical headwinds, including U.S.-China trade tensions and Middle East conflicts, underscoring tech's resilience. In Korea, AI-fueled chip demand has drawn global portfolios back to the region, with export sectors thriving on hopes of softer U.S. tariffs. Hong Kong's exchange has become a hub for Chinese tech listings, up 153% in 2025, as Western markets tighten barriers.
Investors and economies across Asia stand to gain, with chip and AI sectors creating jobs, spurring innovation, and bolstering GDP in tech-heavy nations like Korea and Taiwan. Companies tied to semiconductors and AI applications—from memory chips to EVs and delivery robots—are attracting capital, potentially stabilizing growth amid global uncertainties.
Looking ahead, analysts anticipate continued upward pressure if AI adoption accelerates and corporate earnings deliver. China's tech rally, now in its 17th straight day of Shanghai Composite gains, points to a "slow, long-term bull market." Market watchers will track upcoming earnings from chip leaders and any policy shifts, such as China's growth-stabilizing measures, which previously ignited surges. For now, the chip and AI boom signals robust regional momentum.