AI Rally Drives Record Global Markets as Trump-Xi Summit Captures Attention
Market Overview and Key Developments
A look at the day ahead in European and global markets from Ankur Banerjee
AI-Led Rally Defies Economic Headwinds
The record-setting AI-led rally appears to be chugging along just fine as investors shrug off the prospect of interest rates staying higher to combat inflation, oil prices above $100 a barrel and an impasse in negotiations to end the Iran war.
Trump-Xi Summit: Global Markets Watch Closely
Summit Details and Market Sentiment
Adding to the mix, a high-stakes summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping has so far yielded few details, leaving markets on edge. Still, with expectations low, even a continuation of the status quo could elicit a positive response.
Trade, Geopolitics, and Key Players
Trump described Xi as a great leader and a friend as they kicked off two days of talks on Thursday that are set to cover their fragile trade truce, the Iran war and U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.
The pomp-filled summit began at Beijing's imposing Great Hall of the People, where Xi greeted Trump on the red carpet, with the leaders shaking hands and smiling warmly. Trump has brought along a group of CEOs, including Elon Musk and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, looking to resolve issues with China.
Asian Markets Surge on AI Momentum
Record Highs and Chipmaker Performance
But for now the AI theme remains in charge and Asia in the lead. South Korea's KOSPI and Taiwan stocks are just shy of their record peaks touched earlier this week, while Japan's Nikkei hit another all-time high.
All three indexes have been turbocharged by AI-driven bets, with little sign of momentum fading as Asian chipmakers bring in record profits from their hyperscaler customers.
SK Hynix: A Standout Performer
SK Hynix, easily the best performing major stock since 2025, is on the cusp of joining the trillion dollar club. The stock is up more than 1,000% since the start of 2025.
UK Economic Outlook Amid Political Uncertainty
Impact of Iran War and Political Developments
Investor focus will also be on a slate of UK economic data that will reveal the extent of the damage from the Iran war that erupted at the end of February as the political drama heats up, keeping pressure on sterling and government bonds.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has so far resisted calls to resign after one of Labour party's worst defeats in last week's local and regional elections.
Key Economic Events to Watch
Key developments that could influence markets on Thursday:
Economic Events
UK GDP estimate for March and Q1
UK industrial and construction output data for March
(By Ankur Banerjee; Editing by Himani Sarkar)
