TOKYO — Asian stock markets mostly advanced on October 1 as investors focused on strong demand for computer chips and artificial-intelligence technology, even as the unresolved conflict involving Iran continued to create uncertainty for energy markets and the global economy.
The market movement reflected a complicated backdrop. Investors are simultaneously dealing with geopolitical risks, elevated oil prices, high government bond yields and expectations about future interest rates. At the same time, enthusiasm for AI-related investment continues to support technology shares.
Japan leads technology gains
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose about 2.4%, helped by technology companies including Advantest, Tokyo Electron and SoftBank Group. These companies are closely connected to the semiconductor and AI investment cycle.
Demand for advanced chips has remained a major theme in global markets. Semiconductor companies are benefiting from spending on data centres, AI processors and related infrastructure.
South Korea and Hong Kong
South Korea’s Kospi gained about 0.5%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose roughly 0.4%. China’s Shanghai Composite also moved higher.
The relatively modest gains showed that investors remained cautious despite the technology rally. Global markets are still sensitive to oil prices and developments in the Middle East.
Australia moves differently
Australia’s ASX 200 declined about 1.7%, showing the uneven nature of regional trading. Commodity exposure and expectations about domestic monetary policy can produce different market reactions from those seen in technology-heavy markets.
US markets
US markets had a mixed session on September 30. The S&P 500 fell 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.9% and the Nasdaq edged up 0.2%.
Investors were also assessing US inflation data. The August consumer price index rose 3.4% year over year, below the 3.7% expected by economists but still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation objective.
Oil remains central
Energy markets continue to react to uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz. US crude was around $89.91 per barrel and Brent crude around $97.69 in the latest trading referenced by the Associated Press.
Higher energy costs can influence inflation and central-bank decisions. That makes developments in the Middle East important not only for energy companies but also for technology, manufacturing and consumer businesses.
Bond yields add another risk
Government bond yields have risen sharply during the third quarter. Higher yields can make stocks relatively less attractive and increase financing costs for companies.
Reuters reported that the US 10-year Treasury yield climbed above 5%, while Japanese and European bond yields also reached multi-year highs.
Why AI remains important
Despite these risks, AI investment continues to support parts of the global equity market. Companies are spending heavily on data centres, processors, networking equipment and software.
Investors are now watching whether AI-related earnings can justify the enormous capital expenditure being made by technology companies.
What investors are watching
Markets will continue to monitor US employment and inflation figures, central-bank policy, oil prices and geopolitical developments. Any major change in the Iran conflict could quickly affect energy and financial markets.
The bigger picture
The October 1 market session shows how strongly AI optimism is competing with geopolitical and monetary-policy concerns. Asian technology shares remain sensitive to semiconductor demand, while the wider market continues to watch oil and bond yields.
Read more global market coverage in our Business section and international developments in our International News section.
Sources: Associated Press and Reuters, October 1, 2026.
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