By ELAINE KURTENBACH
Publication Date: 2026-02-19 04:24:00
Asian shares are higher after U.S. stocks advanced, led by computer chip giant Nvidia. Markets in Greater China were closed for Lunar New Year holidays, while…
Asian shares were higher Thursday after a rally on Wall Street that was led by computer chip giant Nvidia.
U.S. futures edged lower and oil prices rose as media reports said the likelihood was rising of conflict with Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been weighing whether to take military action against Iran as his administration surges military resources to the region while holding indirect talks with Tehran over its nuclear program. That is raising concerns that any attack could spiral into a larger conflict in the Middle East.
Markets in Greater China were closed for Lunar New Year holidays, while some others reopened for trading.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 added 0.8% to 57,582.93, while in South Korea, the Kospi jumped 2.8% to 5,661.22 as markets reopened following holidays earlier in the week.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 advanced 0.9% to 9,088.70.
Southeast Asian markets surged, with Thailand’s SET up 0.9%. India’s Sensex edged 0.1% higher.
During European trading Wednesday,…
