Asian stock markets surged on Thursday after Nvidia reported forecast-beating results and Samsung Electronics suspended a threatened labor strike, boosting sentiment across global equities (21/05).

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan climbed 2.7%, ending a four-day losing streak. South Korea’s KOSPI jumped more than 8%, while Taiwan’s main index rose nearly 4%. Chinese blue-chip shares, however, fell 0.5%.

Nvidia Earnings Strengthen Semiconductor and AI Market Momentum

Asian chipmakers advanced after Nvidia released a stronger-than-expected revenue forecast, supporting optimism in global semiconductor demand.

The report reinforced confidence in artificial intelligence-related chip demand, although Nvidia shares themselves declined 1.3% in extended trading.

Market commentary noted that expectations were high, with investors showing a more muted reaction than in previous cycles.

Samsung Labor Strike Suspension Drives Sharp Gains in South Korea

Samsung Electronics shares surged more than 8% after its union suspended planned industrial action following a tentative pay agreement.

The strike had involved nearly 48,000 workers and raised concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s economy and global chip supply chains.

However, sentiment was partially tempered after a shareholder group reportedly questioned the legality of the tentative pay deal, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Strait of Hormuz Shipping and Oil Prices Influence Global Markets

Brent crude futures rose 0.9% to $106 a barrel after several tankers resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Supply concerns remained as Iran consolidated control of the waterway, while U.S. inventory drawdowns added to market uncertainty.

Mixed Global Market Signals Shape Investor Sentiment

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 gained 1.1%, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 1.5% following three days of declines.

S&P 500 e-mini futures and Nasdaq futures slipped slightly in Asian trading, reflecting cautious sentiment after Nvidia’s earnings release.

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose 1.8 basis points to 4.586%, while gold edged down 0.2%. Bitcoin and ether each gained 0.2%.

In currency markets, the U.S. dollar strengthened 0.1% against the yen to 159.015.

Australian shares rose 1.5%, while the Australian dollar fell 0.4% after weaker-than-expected employment data.

PHOTO: SAMSUNG

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