Asian Markets Rally Amid Global Earnings Boom

Asian shares tracked Wall Street higher on Thursday, buoyed by record gains in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, as investors overlooked higher oil prices stemming from shipping disruptions in the Gulf and focused instead on robust corporate earnings.

Overnight, the S&P 500 rose by 1%, while the Nasdaq climbed 1.6%, reaching new record highs. This surge was fueled by strong earnings reports that have tempered concerns about the U.S. consumer's economic health, despite the war-related rise in energy costs. Iran's recent capture of two container ships in the Strait of Hormuz has further exacerbated these tensions.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures increased by 0.5%, trading at $102.45 a barrel after a significant overnight surge. In Asia, tech heavyweights propelled the MSCI's Asia-Pacific index to unprecedented levels, with Japanese markets leading the charge. However, strategists warn that the markets' ability to sidestep risks may not be sustainable long-term.

(With inputs from agencies.)