Asian Markets Rise Ahead of Fed Decision and “Magnificent Seven” Earnings

Asian stock markets advanced on Tuesday, tracking modest overnight gains on Wall Street as investors positioned for a pivotal week marked by major U.S. technology earnings and a closely watched Federal Reserve meeting.

U.S. equity benchmarks ended slightly higher in the previous session, while futures linked to the Nasdaq extended gains during Asian hours, helping set a positive tone across the region.

Sentiment was buoyed by optimism that results from the so-called “Magnificent Seven” will reaffirm the global equity rally fueled by artificial intelligence spending and resilient corporate profits. This week’s earnings calendar features Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Tesla, and Apple, while in Asia, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are set to release their finalized fourth-quarter results.

Investors are also focused on the Federal Reserve, which begins its two-day policy meeting later Tuesday. The central bank is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged on Wednesday as policymakers balance sticky inflation against signs of moderating growth. Recent data pointing to a resilient labor market alongside easing—yet still elevated—price pressures have reinforced expectations for a pause.

South Korean equities led regional gains, with the KOSPI jumping more than 2% after reversing early losses. SK Hynix surged 6%, while Samsung rose 3%. The index had opened lower after U.S. President Donald Trump said tariffs on South Korean imports could rise to 25% from 15% due to delays in finalizing a trade deal. Shares of major automakers initially slid on fears of higher export costs, but sentiment improved after Seoul’s presidential office said it had not been informed in advance of any tariff hike.

Elsewhere, Japan’s Nikkei 225 edged 0.3% higher, though gains were capped by a firmer yen. Chinese blue chips and the Shanghai Composite posted modest advances, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 1.5% on strength in technology stocks. Australia’s ASX 200 and Singapore’s Straits Times Index each rose nearly 1%, and futures tied to India’s Nifty 50 pointed to a higher open.