Asian markets dip as tech earnings optimism fades, Gulf tensions weigh
Asian stocks dipped in early Thursday trade, with MSCI's Asia-Pacific index down 0.2 percent, heading for a fourth straight weekly decline, as tech earnings optimism faded amid AI concerns and Gulf tensions. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.4 percent and Korean shares dropped over 1 percent, while US futures slipped 0.4 percent. Overnight, strong results from Meta and Super Micro had lifted Wall Street, but Meta's new stock plan raised fresh AI spending scrutiny. Treasury yields fell, Brent crude rose 1.1 percent to $110.03 near a five-month high, and the dollar index dipped to 102.2. Geopolitical risks include US diplomat evacuations from Saudi Arabia and reported plans for renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran.