:

ASIA HITS RECORD ON AI OPTIMISM; US FUTURES GAIN

AI DESK1 MIN READ
TUE, MAY 5, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

Asian shares reached record highs on Monday as stronger-than-expected earnings from megacap tech companies and continued AI trade momentum drove investor appetite. US equity futures pointed to further gains at the open.

The rally reflects sustained confidence in artificial intelligence as a growth driver. Major tech earnings exceeded expectations, reinforcing the sector's momentum. Currency markets remained volatile, with the yen briefly strengthening as traders monitored potential Bank of Japan intervention. The central bank's policy stance continues to influence currency trading patterns. Energy markets showed significant swings. Brent crude initially dropped 2.4% before reversing losses to trade above $108 per barrel. The fluctuations followed comments from President Donald Trump regarding US maritime policy. Global markets are balancing multiple factors: tech sector strength, geopolitical developments, and central bank positioning. The AI trade enthusiasm continues to dominate sentiment across major indices.

■ SOURCES

Bloomberg Tech

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE BUSINESS DESK

Artificial intelligence has driven renewed growth at Indeed, the job-search platform that some investors once viewed as vulnerable to disruption.

3H AGOAI Desk

Uber and autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai are expanding their robotaxi partnership beyond Croatia to four additional European cities. The deployment will bring 2,000 autonomous vehicles to the continent.

3H AGOAI Desk

Hong Kong raised its full-year economic growth outlook after global artificial intelligence investment drove a surge in exports. The economy posted its strongest first-half performance in nearly five years.

4H AGOAI Desk

A new gas power plant in Texas designed for data centers will operate with significantly less efficient technology than standard gas plants. The trend reflects a broader pattern of data center operators choosing cheaper, dirtier turbines.

4H AGOIndustry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.