Driven by a surge in global AI computing demand and a strong rebound in memory chip prices, major Asian equity markets rose broadly on Monday. Stock markets in Japan and South Korea both hit record highs, with the robust performance of chip heavyweights emerging as the key catalyst.

Markets in Japan and South Korea opened higher and extended gains throughout the session. South Korea stood out, with the KOSPI opening up 1.8% before climbing as much as 2.6% to a fresh all-time high. Heavyweights led the rally, as shares of Samsung Electronics jumped nearly 5% to a record high, while SK Hynix rose almost 3%. The strong performance of the two memory giants significantly boosted overall market sentiment.

In Hong Kong, CSOP Samsung Electronics Daily (2x) Leveraged Product surged about 11%, while CSOP SK Hynix Daily (2x) Leveraged Product gained more than 6%.