Asia Markets Surge on AI Demand, Oil Prices Ease Amid Saudi Hopes

Share markets in Asia edged higher on Monday as AI's demand for data boosted chipmakers.

The Nikkei, which was shut due to Japan's Silver Week holiday, saw futures rise 0.5%, while South Korea's tech-heavy index gained 1.1%.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 0.3%, and S&P 500 futures firmed 0.3%.

The US dollar was steady against the yen at 157.00, with investors wary of a potential Bank of Japan intervention in support of its currency.

Oil prices eased as hopes grew that Saudi Arabia could boost supplies after a Houthi attack on Riyadh.