Asian markets spike on AI optimism and U.S. rate-cut hopes

Asian shares got a lift from Wall Street on Wednesday, driven by a surge of optimism around artificial intelligence and growing expectations of a U.S. rate cut. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose, while Japan’s Nikkei jumped more than 2% and South Korea’s KOSPI also scaled new highs. The rally reflects investor bets that AI momentum and easing global monetary policy will continue. However, analysts note heightened expectations increase risk of disappointment if corporate earnings or policy signals fall short.