Inflation Cool-Down Sparks Tech-Led Rally Across Asia and US Markets

Asian equities rose for a fourth straight week as US inflation cooled, boosting bets the Federal Reserve will hold rates next month. MSCI Asia Pacific climbed about 0.3%, led by Korea’s Kospi where Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix extended weekly gains above 14%. In the US, the S&P 500 hit an all-time high and the Nasdaq 100 rose as tech shares rebound, supported by easing inflation and fading hawkish fears. Treasuries held gains with the two-year yield near 4.15%, and markets priced in roughly a 35% chance of a September rate hike.