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Last updated: July 30, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Asian Markets Rebound on AI Optimism and Yen Intervention

Asian stocks Friday, following a significant rebound in U.S. megacap technology shares that bolstered confidence in the artificial intelligence trade. The yen surged by the most in over two years against the dollar after Japanese authorities intervened in the market for a second time, attempting to support the nation's weakening currency ahead of the Bank of Japan's policy decision.

Tech Giants Boost Market Cap Amid AI Spending Spree

Microsoft posted biggest for any U.S. company, adding $450 billion in market value, while Meta shares concurrently plunged. This surge occurred as Amazon to $220 billion this year, a significant upward revision from its previous expectation of $200 billion in 2026. Separately, banks are reportedly in talks to lend $15 billion for a Google-backed Anthropic data center, and Apple forecasts slower growth due to AI build-out strains on tech supply chains, although its smartphone revenue.

Oil Prices Fluctuate Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Concerns

Oil prices amid ongoing concerns about supply disruptions. The market steadied at the end of a volatile week, with prices on track for their largest monthly gain since March as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated. The Pentagon has also committed over $120 billion for Patriot missiles and submarines, with the Army modifying its contract with Lockheed Martin to increase production, though the final cost is contingent on congressional funding reported.

Chinese Automaker Nio Shows Strong Performance Amid Sector Downturn

Nio Inc., China's largest fully electric SUV manufacturer, is racing up the nation's sales charts, providing the carmaker with a much-needed boost to its finances and defying the broader downturn gripping the automotive sector.

U.S. Economy and Defense Spending in Focus

The U.S. economy is showing signs of slowing. In defense news, the Pentagon has committed over $120 billion for Patriot missiles and submarines, with the Army modifying its contract with Lockheed Martin to step up production, though the final cost will depend on congressional funding reported. Meanwhile, Amazon and Walmart's shopping bots, Alexa and Sparky, provided information on sellers' "Made in USA" claims after initially stating they could not access such data.

AI Bubble Debate Continues Amidst Investor Sentiment

Despite fears of a potential artificial intelligence bubble, some tech investors are embracing the possibility, suggesting that it might not necessarily be a negative development.