Asia markets steady; South Korean tech stocks shine on AI optimism

October 10, 2025 (MLN): Asia markets ended mixed on Friday, with South Korean chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics leading regional gains after returning from a weeklong holiday.

Their surge came amid renewed optimism in artificial intelligence (AI) investments and major industry deals.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 0.33%, while the Topix index dropped 0.92% as investors weighed global economic uncertainties. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 also slipped 0.26%, showing a cautious tone across regional markets.

In contrast, South Korea’s Kospi climbed 0.66% after reopening, driven by strong performances in the semiconductor sector, though the Kosdaq eased 0.37%.

SK Hynix shares soared 10%, while Samsung Electronics gained nearly 6%, both reaching fresh record highs, according to FactSet data.

The rally followed reports of a strategic partnership between OpenAI and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), under which OpenAI could acquire a 10% stake in the U.S. chipmaker. AMD’s stock has surged more than 40% this week on the news.

Meanwhile, Nvidia shares advanced 2.6% this week after CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC that AI demand has accelerated in recent months.

Huang also confirmed Nvidia’s participation in funding Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI, expressing excitement about the company’s financing plans.

Despite gains in the AI sector, sentiment in global markets remained cautious. Overnight on Wall Street, all three major U.S. indices slipped as the U.S. government shutdown continued, prompting a round of profit-taking after recent record highs.

The S&P 500 declined 0.28% to close at 6,735.11, the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.08% to 23,024.63, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 243.36 points, or 0.52%, to settle at 46,358.42.

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