Asian shares tumble, oil rises as markets await AI sector results

Asian markets experienced a decline on Tuesday, while oil prices climbed as geopolitical concerns gripped investors ahead of crucial AI sector earnings. The U.S. dollar remained steady against the euro due to French riots, which boosted demand for safe-haven assets. U.S. President Donald Trump's executive order lifted some sanctions and tariffs on Russian energy, contributing to the rise in oil prices.

Market focus now shifts to corporate earnings, with investors eagerly awaiting fresh evidence of consumer and economic resilience. Results from Meta, Tesla, and chipmakers Lam Research and Texas Instruments are due in the coming days. Analysts suggest that while traders are happy to cover shorts and unwind defensive trades, they lack the conviction to rebuild aggressive exposure to AI.

The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index fell 0.93%, Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 1.28%, and South Korea’s KOSPI declined 3.61%. The dollar index dipped 0.05% to 101.92, while the euro surged 0.06% to $1.12, following a 0.25% slide the previous day. The British pound increased 0.06% to $1.33, and the yen weakened 0.03% to 158.57 per dollar. Meta, one of five AI hyperscalers, anticipates combined capital expenditure of $1.2 trillion next year, with global earnings expected to double compared to the same quarter a year ago.

South Korean AI infrastructure firm Elice Group's shares plummeted 16% in its market debut after raising 201.1 billion won ($151.12 million) in an IPO. Brent crude prices rose 0.21% to $109.78 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 0.15% to $103.82 per barrel. Gold prices fell 0.51% to $4,118.71 an ounce. President Trump issued an executive order on Friday that waived key Russia-related US sanctions and tariffs, but he has not yet announced a final decision.

French authorities imposed curfews in several cities following riots and looting linked to anti-government protests. Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Kevin Warsh, and the European Central Bank's Martin Kocher are expected to provide further insights on Tuesday.