Regional markets followed a strong rally in U.S. equities after Trump stated that a deal to end the Iran war was near and could be finalized over the weekend. His comments lifted risk-driven assets, with S&P 500 Futures rising 0.2% in Asian trade.<\/p>\n
Oil prices fell sharply after Trump said the Iran agreement would involve the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The decline in crude prices provided additional support to Asian stock benchmarks, easing some concerns over energy costs.<\/p>\n
Broader Asian markets gained on optimism surrounding a potential U.S.-Iran peace deal, although uncertainty persisted. Iranian media reported that Tehran had made no final decision on any agreement, and hostilities in the Middle East continued.<\/p>\n
Technology and chipmaking shares were the main drivers of Friday\u2019s advance. South Korea\u2019s KOSPI was the top performer in Asia, surging over 8% on strong gains in heavyweight chipmakers. Japan\u2019s Nikkei 225 climbed 3.5%, also boosted by the chip sector. The chipmaking segment recovered much of the losses sustained over the past week, when worries over the Iran war and rising interest rates had triggered profit-taking in high-growth names.<\/p>\n
Attention also turned to SpaceX, whose trading debut on the Nasdaq was scheduled later in the day. The Elon Musk-led rocket company completed a $75 billion initial public offering on Thursday. Market participants were monitoring the listing for further signals on the technology sector, particularly as the large deal comes amid growing concerns over stretched tech valuations.<\/p>\n
Hong Kong\u2019s Hang Seng index gained, supported by local technology and internet stocks. Alibaba Group added 2% after Bloomberg reported that the company had offered $1.5 billion for Chinese grocer Pupu as it seeks to strengthen its position in the online grocery market.<\/p>\n
In Japan, the TOPIX index rose 1.7%, with investors focusing on a Bank of Japan meeting next week, where the central bank is increasingly expected to raise interest rates in response to energy-driven inflation. Australia\u2019s ASX 200 advanced 1.8%; markets broadly expect the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold at its meeting next week.<\/p>\n
China\u2019s Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite indexes both rose 1.6%, while Singapore\u2019s Straits Times index added 0.5%.<\/p>\n
What triggered the rally in Asian stocks on Friday?<\/strong> Which markets and sectors performed the best?<\/strong> Why did oil prices fall, and how did this impact equities?<\/strong> Why is SpaceX\u2019s Nasdaq debut significant for markets?<\/strong>
Asian stocks rose after U.S. President Donald Trump said a peace deal with Iran was close and might be signed over the weekend, boosting risk sentiment and supporting technology and chipmaking shares.<\/p>\n
South Korea\u2019s KOSPI was the strongest performer, surging over 8% on gains in heavyweight chipmakers, while Japan\u2019s Nikkei 225 rose 3.5% and tech-related sectors across the region rebounded.<\/p>\n
Oil prices dropped sharply after Trump said the Iran deal would involve immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The decline in crude prices supported Asian equity markets by easing concerns over energy costs.<\/p>\n
SpaceX\u2019s trading debut, following a $75 billion IPO, is being closely watched for signals on investor appetite for large technology listings at a time of rising concerns over elevated tech sector valuations.<\/p>\n