Asian equity markets pushed higher Thursday, led by semiconductor stocks after Micron Technology delivered record quarterly earnings and upbeat guidance that soothed investor worries about AI infrastructure spending. The memory-chip maker's strong performance signaled sustained demand for the components powering artificial intelligence systems, easing pressure on tech valuations that had come under scrutiny.

South Korea's Kospi surged 5.5%, with SK Hynix jumping 11% and Samsung Electronics climbing 5.0% as investors rotated back into semiconductor names. These three companies dominate the DRAM market, which pairs with Nvidia's processors for AI computing applications. The rally followed a midweek selloff that had pressured tech shares amid concerns about AI capex intensity.

Japan's Nikkei advanced 4.0%, buoyed by SoftBank Group's 3.5% gain and Kioxia's 8.5% surge, while Taiwan's index added nearly 1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng slipped marginally. Crude oil prices retreated toward pre-conflict levels, with shipping data showing 14 tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday after 27 transits Monday, signaling improving Middle East supply flows.

Wedbush analysts called Micron's results a relief for tech investors, validating the AI spending thesis. The market reaction suggests investors view semiconductor demand as resilient enough to support current valuations, at least in the near term.