Asia stocks jump as AI rally returns; Japan, Korea surge By Investing.com

• On August 5, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained the repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance, a move that aligned with market expectations. • The RBI raised its GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.7% and lowered its CPI inflation projection to 5%, citing resilient economic indicators.

• Asian stock markets surged on Wednesday, led by Japan’s Nikkei, which climbed 3.0%, and South Korea, which added 4.1%. • The rally was driven by strong corporate earnings and a renewed appetite for technology stocks following record highs on Wall Street.

• Fixed income trading in European banking remains a "two-tiered race" during Q2, as the sector continues to struggle in the shadow of equity markets. • BNP Paribas and Barclays are locked in a competitive struggle for dominance, while Societe Generale has successfully overtaken UBS in trading performance.

• European stock markets closed higher on Tuesday, with several indices reaching new record or multi-month highs driven by optimism regarding U.S. economic trends and easing concerns over tech valuations. • Simultaneously, gold prices surged as investors reacted to the Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decisions and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

• European stocks are expected to open on a firm note on Tuesday. • Investor attention will focus on U.S.-Iran talks and the latest corporate earnings results.

• Indian stock indices closed lower following a period of profit-taking after a rally on Monday. • BSE, Bharti Airtel, and Nykaa all reported strong quarterly earnings for the June quarter, with BSE seeing a significant profit increase driven by revenue growth.

• The BSE Sensex fell 210 points and the NSE Nifty dropped 159 points on Tuesday, ending a four-session winning streak for Indian benchmark equity indices. • The decline occurred as investors reacted to new market implementations and shifted their positions following a period of consistent gains.

• Banco Santander, S.A. has received official approval from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to acquire Webster Financial Corporation. • The deal involves the acquisition of Webster, the holding company for the U.S.-based diversified institution Webster Bank, N.A.

• CRISIL has upgraded Yes Bank's bond rating to AA+, signaling an improvement in the lender's credit profile and financial stability. • HFCL announced a significant growth initiative, clearing a ₹400-crore expansion plan to scale its operational capacity.

• Asian markets opened higher today, with Japan's Nikkei 225 surging 3.34% and South Korea's Kospi adding 4.2%, following record highs in US stocks driven by strong tech earnings. • Investors are focusing on key Indian companies including Manipal Health, Airtel, ONGC, Nykaa, BSE, and LIC.

• A report from PL Asset Management released on August 3 indicates that India's equity markets remain resilient despite global geopolitical volatility and commodity price swings. • The analysis highlights that low inflation, accommodative monetary policy, and strong government capital expenditure are creating a favorable investment climate.