Asian stock markets, particularly in Japan and South Korea, reached new record highs on Monday, driven by investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and anticipation surrounding developments in the Iran war ceasefire extension [1][2]. SoftBank Group became Japan's most valuable firm, with shares rallying over 9% and propelling the Nikkei 225 above 67,000 for the first time [1][2]. SoftBank, led by CEO Masayoshi Son, committed €75 billion to AI infrastructure in France, marking its largest investment in Europe and positioning France as a leading AI hub, according to Son [2].
South Korea's Kospi index jumped nearly 5% to an all-time high of 8,874.16, with Samsung Electronics up more than 9%. Official data showed South Korea’s exports surged 53% year-on-year in May, fueled by global demand for semiconductors [1]. The Nikkei 225 was up more than 12% over the past month, while the Kospi soared over 27% during the same period [1].
Nvidia made headlines at Taiwan's Computex conference, unveiling a new ARM-based N1X processor for Microsoft, Dell, and HP laptops. CEO Jensen Huang stated, "Microsoft and Nvidia are going to reinvent the PC," highlighting this as the first major overhaul of PCs in 40 years [2]. Dell Technologies surged 32.8% following strong results and an improved outlook on AI-related demand, while Microsoft rose over 5.4% [1].
Oil prices climbed more than 2% as hostilities in Iran escalated. Brent crude rose 2.4% to $93.33 per barrel, and U.S. crude was up 2.8% at $89.76 a barrel [1]. U.S. Central Command reported "self-defense" strikes on Iranian targets, and Israel ordered troops deeper into Lebanon [2]. President Trump stated he is in "no hurry" to make a deal with Iran, as the war entered its fourth month [2]. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain, with the U.S. maintaining a sea blockade on Iranian ports [1].
Wall Street also saw record highs, with the S&P 500 up 0.2% to 7,580.06, the Dow Jones up 0.7% to 51,032.46, and the Nasdaq up 0.2% to 26,972.62 [1]. Berkshire Hathaway agreed to acquire Taylor Morrison Home for $6.8 billion, paying $72.50 per share in cash, a 24% premium to the closing price on May 29. The deal, valued at about $8.5 billion including debt, is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and marks one of the first major strategic moves under new CEO Greg Abel [2].
CONCLUSION
Asian markets surged to record highs, led by SoftBank's ascent and robust AI-driven gains in technology stocks. Oil prices rose sharply amid ongoing Iran tensions, while Wall Street and European indices also showed positive momentum. The market outlook remains optimistic, fueled by strong corporate earnings and continued AI investment, though geopolitical risks persist.