Global markets rise on AI optimism despite Iran war concerns

Global shares mostly rose in Wednesday trading, driven by optimism over artificial intelligence and computer chips, despite ongoing concerns about the war in Iran. Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9%, while European benchmarks like France's CAC 40 and Germany's DAX also gained. U.S. futures pointed higher, with Dow futures up 0.5%. SoftBank Group, an OpenAI investor, surged over 6%, and Japanese chip-related stocks also gained. Oil prices swung sharply, with Brent crude at $102.29 a barrel, well above pre-war levels, as mediators worked on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Wall Street anticipates key economic updates this week, as U.S. inflation remains above 3%, and the Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates in October. Treasury yields hit 24-year highs, though analysts note the underlying U.S. economy remains resilient.