Asian chip-related stocks surged early this week as investors pinned hopes on a wave of renewed optimism for AI demand, fueled by the anticipation of Nvidia Corp. CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. The event has historically served as a platform for groundbreaking announcements in the tech industry, and Huang’s remarks are expected to shed light on the future trajectory of AI and Nvidia’s next-generation technology.
In Japan, major Nvidia suppliers and chip equipment manufacturers saw substantial gains. Tokyo Electron Ltd., Advantest Corp., Disco Corp., and Lasertec Corp. all reported stock price increases of at least 6%, a clear sign of investor confidence in the AI sector’s growth potential. In Taiwan, similar bullish sentiment was observed. Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., a key assembly partner for Nvidia, climbed by 4.1%, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) experienced a rise of 3.1%.
These gains reflect the market’s positive outlook on Nvidia’s forthcoming announcements, particularly concerning its Blackwell chip. As Nvidia shares reached an all-time high, the CES stage is set for Huang to bolster the narrative of AI’s expanding role in global technology markets.
The spotlight is firmly on Nvidia’s Blackwell chip, rumored to be a revolutionary advancement in AI computing. Huang’s keynote is expected to provide details on the chip’s capabilities and potential applications, sparking further interest among investors and tech enthusiasts. Previous forums have seen Huang emphasize AI’s untapped potential, suggesting that the industry is on the cusp of broader societal integration.
“Jensen Huang has a track record of using high-profile events like CES to make impactful announcements,” noted technology analyst Hiroshi Yamamoto. “The anticipation surrounding the Blackwell chip suggests that Nvidia is set to deliver another leap forward in AI technology.”
AI’s influence on society has grown significantly over the past two years, yet the technology’s full benefits remain under scrutiny. Despite widespread adoption in various sectors, from healthcare to autonomous vehicles, AI continues to grapple with demonstrating its overarching utility for humanity.
The semiconductor sector is a critical enabler of AI advancements, and recent investment trends highlight the industry’s strategic importance. Notably, Microsoft Corp. announced an $80 billion investment in AI data centers, underscoring the escalating demand for robust AI infrastructure.
The start of 2025 has been marked by a series of AI-supportive developments, propelling a rally in tech stocks. Japanese chip gear makers, in particular, have benefited from this momentum. The sector experienced significant sell-offs at the end of the previous year due to portfolio rebalancing and profit-taking. However, as the new year unfolds, the focus has shifted back to growth prospects within the semiconductor production equipment market.
Andrew Jackson, an analyst at Ortus Advisors Pte., remarked, “There’s been some great AI-supportive newsflow to start the year. The recent tech rally is bolstering Japanese chip gear makers, especially those that were heavily sold off during year-end adjustments. It looks like semiconductor production equipment has legs here.”
While Japan and Taiwan led the gains, other Asian markets also reported positive movements. South Korea’s SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics posted moderate increases, benefiting from the general optimism surrounding AI and semiconductor industries. Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba and Tencent, which have significant stakes in AI development, also saw upward trends, albeit less pronounced than their Japanese and Taiwanese counterparts.
Investors are keenly observing how Huang’s CES address will influence these markets. A strong affirmation of AI’s growth potential could catalyze further gains across the board, enhancing Asia’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
The developments in Asia are not occurring in isolation. The global tech industry is closely watching Nvidia’s next moves, given its pivotal role in AI hardware. The anticipated advancements in the Blackwell chip could set new benchmarks for AI performance, influencing tech strategies worldwide.
Moreover, Nvidia’s partnerships with major players like Microsoft and Hon Hai highlight a collaborative approach to scaling AI infrastructure. Such partnerships are crucial in addressing the rising demand for AI capabilities in both consumer and enterprise markets.
