Emerging-market equities climbed on AI-driven chip optimism, with a
developing-nation stock gauge rising as much as 1.4% and heading for a record
close despite concerns over stalled US-Iran peace talks. South Korea’s benchmark
index surged 5% to an all-time high, led by semiconductor stocks including SK
Hynix, Samsung Electronics and MediaTek amid fears of a memory-chip shortage.
JPMorgan raised its South Korea stock target for the second time in under a
month, citing a stronger semiconductor cycle and governance reforms. Still, some
strategists warned valuations appear stretched and vulnerable to supply
disruptions. Emerging-market currencies meanwhile slipped as rising oil prices
strengthened the dollar after Donald Trump rejected Iran’s peace proposal.