Peace Hopes, AI Demand Lift Asian Stocks

Asian bourses recorded strong gains on Thursday as markets increased expectations of a deal to end the U.S.-Iran conflict. AI-led demand also boosted stocks in the tech space.

Amidst better-than-expected GDP readings, stocks in China finished trading on a positive note. China’s economy expanded 5 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, versus 4.5 percent in the fourth quarter and beating market forecasts of 4.8 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index jumped 0.70 percent from the previous close of 4,027.21 to finish trading at a four-week high of 4,055.55. The day’s trading ranged between 4,028.91 and 4,057.83. The Shenzhen Component Index closed at 14,796.33, adding 298 points or 2.1 percent from the previous close of 14,498.45.