Samsung eyes AI funding in Mistral as Asia markets wake to mixed signals

Samsung stock climbs on reports it’s in talks to invest hundreds of millions in AI startup Mistral, while tech shares gain; oil prices edge higher on fresh U.S. strikes in the Middle East; Topsports slides after Nike plans to end online Nike sales in mainland China from 2027; HSBC warns of about $150 billion in HK IPO lock-ups due later this year; the yen hits a four-decade low prompting talk of intervention as Japan’s export growth accelerates; Asia-Pacific markets open higher with notable moves in Kospi and Nikkei amid earnings news from Pegasystems and Super Micro, plus caution from Jamie Dimon on equities at current levels.