Shipping stocks eclipse chips in Asia as freight rates jump
This offers investors an opportunity outside the region’s crowded AI trade
In 2026, shipping stocks in Asia are outpacing the semiconductor sector as freight rates surge, presenting investors with an alternative to the AI-dominated market. The Middle East conflict has limited vessel availability, leading to a surge in shipping stocks, with a Goldman Sachs gauge indicating a 17% increase this quarter, while semiconductor stocks fell by 18% during the same period.
This shift offers investors opportunities outside of Asia's crowded AI trade. Joakim Hannisdahl, CEO of Gersemi Asset Management, attributes the gains to "quite good" demand in 2026 and earnings surpassing expectations, noting it's a strong seasonal period. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index is at its highest level since July 2024, up for eight weeks in a row.
Leading stocks in Asia include TS Lines, SITC International Holdings, and Mitsui OSK Lines. However, disruptions in the Red Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and typhoons in Asia may exacerbate port congestion, decrease capacity, and maintain elevated pricing. The outlook for Asian shipping remains promising despite these obstacles, as long as there's no diplomatic breakthrough with Iran.
Written by urgent.news from The Business Times - Companies & Markets's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
