Global Markets: Asia Tech Hits Record Highs on AI Boom, Bitcoin Rebounds Near $66K, Wall Street Steady
Updated: 5 days ago
On Feb 25, 2026, the global mood flipped from “fear” to risk-on.
Asia took the lead, powered by chipmakers and AI optimism. Bitcoin also bounced back near $66,000, while US futures stayed mostly steady after a strong Wall Street session.
Key global highlights
Asia: AI-led tech rally (the biggest story)
Japan Nikkei 225: hit a fresh record, up ~2.2% and closing around 58,583.
South Korea KOSPI: crossed 6,000 for the first time, driven by chip stocks (AI demand narrative still hot).
Taiwan Taiex: up around 2%, with TSMC gaining about 2.5%.
Simple reason: markets are treating “AI chip demand” as the strongest growth story right now—so money is flowing into Asia tech leaders.
US: Wall Street up, futures calm
US markets ended higher in the last session: Dow ~+0.8%, S&P 500 ~+0.8%, Nasdaq ~+1%.
US futures: flat to slightly positive—market focus is shifting to big tech earnings and the AI trade.
Crypto: relief bounce near $66K
Bitcoin bounced back near $66,000 after the recent fear-driven dip.
Simple reason: bargain buying + improving risk mood. When equities calm down, crypto often breathes again.
Commodities
Oil prices were modestly higher while the dollar was mixed, keeping commodities steady rather than explosive.
Related explainers on NishiJain.com: Vitalik-Linked Wallets Sell 17,000 ETH: Ether Under Pressure While Bitcoin Rebounds Near $65.5K, “Bye America” Money Move? US Investors Pull $75B From US Stocks in 6 Months (Fastest in 16 Years) and Global Markets Wrap: US Down, Europe Up, Asia Mixed as January Ends (Jan 30, 2026).
Nishi’s takeaway
Today’s global market is saying one thing clearly:
“If AI stays strong, Asia tech stays strong.”
That’s why you’re seeing record levels in Japan/Korea and strength in Taiwan chip names.
What to watch next:
Big tech earnings guidance (it decides whether the AI rally expands or cools)
Bitcoin around the $66K zone (does it hold or fade?)
Disclaimer: This is a market explainer for education only, not investment advice.
About the author
Nishi Jain is a full-time trader based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and ex-JioBlackRock. More about Nishi →
