Asian stocks surge as Anthropic IPO lifts sentiment ahead of earnings, central banks
SPY•Asian stocks rose, with South Korea’s KOSPI gaining more than 4% and Japan’s Nikkei up 1.9%, after Anthropic’s IPO filing revived AI-trade optimism. Investors also weighed Meta’s plan to raise up to $95 billion, upcoming technology earnings and central bank decisions.
1. Asian shares climb
Asian stocks surged on Tuesday after Anthropic disclosed steep losses and rapid revenue growth in its U.S. IPO filing, lifting risk appetite ahead of major technology earnings. Meta Platforms’ plan to raise up to $95 billion in its largest-ever equity fundraising also helped soothe investor nerves. The KOSPI gained more than 4% in early trading, the Nikkei rose 1.9% and MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan advanced 1.2%.
2. Earnings test AI trade
More than a third of S&P 500 companies are scheduled to report earnings this week, including Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon.com. Investors are seeking evidence that AI demand is broadening beyond interconnected relationships and that heavy infrastructure spending can support durable business needs and profitability. Nasdaq futures rose 0.4% after U.S. chip stocks gained 2.8% overnight.
3. Central banks in focus
Economists expect the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of Japan to hold rates steady, leaving investors focused on policymakers’ comments. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was steady at 4.992%, while traders were pricing in a Fed rate hike in December. Brent crude eased 0.7% to $114.95 a barrel as investors weighed the potential for a resolution in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
