Asia report: Tech stocks lead markets higher as US rate hike fears ease

(Sharecast News) - Asian stock markets posted solid gains on Friday as concerns about an imminent interest rate hike in the US eased overnight. The Nikkei 225 rose 1.3%, the Hang Seng jumped 1.7%, while the KOSPI gained 1.6%. Moves elsewhere were more moderate, with a 0.7% gain for the Sensex and a 0.9% increase in the STI, while the Shanghai Composite fell 0.3%.

"Constantly changing interest rate expectations have kept investors on their toes this week. Having spent several days in the worry zone amid fears of growing inflationary pressures, markets have ended the week on a calmer note," said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.

The positive movements followed comments from Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller, who suggested a potential pause on interest rate hikes, as long as incoming data showed that inflationary pressures were beginning to ease.

Investors will now be focusing on crucial US jobs data, due out at 1330 BST, which is expected to show non-farm payrolls increasing by 55,000 in August following a 23,000 drop in July.

"Prior to [Waller's] remarks, the market had expected up to three hikes by the end of 2026. Traders lowered the chance of a September rate hike from 63.2% to 50.4%, bringing a relief rally across US shares [on Thursday]. That positive sentiment extended to much of Asia on Friday," Coatsworth said.

In other news, oil prices edged higher, on track for their largest weekly increase since mid-July, as markets continue to grapple with the latest hostilities between the US and Iran. Brent rose 0.2% to $95.75 a barrel by the end of trade in Hong Kong.

In equity movements, tech stocks were higher, with Japan's SoftBank a standout performer, surging 12% following a rebound in US tech shares and lower bond yields overnight.

South Korean chip heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix also performed well, helped by data showing strong Korean exports in August, led by semiconductor shipments which tripled year-over-year.