Asian markets opened with slight gains, reflecting a positive sentiment following record highs in US equities. The S&P 500 Index rose 1.1% to set a new record, while the Nasdaq 100 gained 1.7%, both benefiting from strong corporate earnings reports. However, concerns over rising Brent crude oil prices, which increased 1.3% to nearly $103 a barrel, stem from ongoing tensions related to the conflict in Iran. The geopolitical situation remains precarious, with the US and Iran failing to engage in new peace talks, which has implications for energy prices and inflation. Despite these risks, nearly 80% of companies in the S&P 500 have reported earnings exceeding analyst expectations. The semiconductor sector is poised for robust growth, projected to increase revenue by 57% by 2026, driven by heightened demand for artificial intelligence technologies. Mark Grant, chief global strategist at Alliance Global Partners, emphasized the ongoing investment in AI as a key driver for market performance.