Asian Equity Markets Rise While Nvidia Gains Retrace
Asian equity markets are continuing their upward trajectory for a fourth consecutive session as of February 26, 2026. Global sentiment has shifted positively following a robust earnings outlook from Nvidia, which has effectively calmed recent anxieties regarding artificial intelligence valuations.
Nvidia forecast its first-quarter revenue between **$76.4 billion and $79.6 billion**, significantly outperforming the **$72.8 billion** expected by analysts. This upbeat guidance has triggered a fresh wave of buying across the semiconductor supply chain, as investors see evidence that large-scale AI infrastructure spending remains on track.
South Korea’s Kospi Index has emerged as a primary beneficiary of this tech-led momentum. The benchmark recently made history by closing above the **6,000** mark for the first time, reaching an intraday record high of **6,144.71**. Key chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw their stock prices rise to **203,500 won** and **1,018,000 won** respectively, fueled by relentless demand for high-bandwidth memory.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) has retreated from its recent highs, easing pressure on dollar-denominated assets. This weakening of the greenback has allowed Gold to edge upward, with spot prices for the metal seeking to hold ground above **$5,200** per ounce.
In contrast, the cryptocurrency market remains under pressure. Bitcoin has faced a challenging month, dropping roughly **19%** in February and currently hovering near the **$65,000** level. While total crypto market capitalization sits at **$2.23 trillion**, persistent selling pressure and outflows from spot ETFs have tempered the "risk-on" mood seen in traditional equities.
Broad market participation in Asia remains healthy, with regional indices such as the Hang Seng and CSI 300 posting gains between **0.3% and 0.4%**. Investors are now closely monitoring hyperscaler capital expenditure plans, which are projected to reach **$600 billion** this year, providing a clear fundamental floor for the ongoing AI-driven trade.