On May 11, 2026 Asian equities rallied on surging AI-related demand and easing geopolitical tensions. South Korea’s KOSPI jumped ~3.85% to 7,786.73 — breaking 7,700 and pushing Korea past Britain and Canada to become the world’s seventh-largest equity market. Japan’s Nikkei opened at a record ~63,201.36. Major tech and semiconductor names led gains: Samsung Electronics +5% (new highs) and SK hynix +8% (new highs). South Korea reported a 139% YoY rise in semiconductor exports in Q1 2026, attributed to memory-chip demand for AI data centers; improved U.S.–Iran talks also supported risk sentiment.

Positive market-moving facts: KOSPI and Nikkei opened at all-time highs, KOSPI rose ~3.85% to 7,786.73 and surpassed 7,700; Samsung and SK hynix each gained and hit new highs; South Korea reported a 139% YoY increase in semiconductor exports in Q1 2026. Improved U.S.–Iran talks also lifted risk appetite. These concrete data points indicate bullish momentum for Asian tech/semiconductor equities.