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

Asian stock markets fell across the board on Tuesday as geopolitical tensions and the possibility of weakened economic performance weighed on investor sentiment. Oil prices climbed higher due to uncertainty surrounding Russian energy sanctions. The US dollar remained stable against the euro, while France's eurozone riots boosted demand for safe-haven assets.

The focus is shifting towards corporate earnings, particularly from key AI companies. Investors are eagerly awaiting results from Meta, Tesla, and chipmakers Lam Research and Texas Instruments. Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone, noted that while traders are ready to cover shorts and unwind defensive positions, they have not yet demonstrated confidence to re-invest aggressively in the AI sector.

The MSCI Asia ex-Japan index declined 0.93%, and Japan's Nikkei 225 slipped 1.28%. South Korea's KOSPI sank 3.61%. The dollar index fell slightly to 101.92, while the euro increased marginally to $1.12 following a 0.25% decline the previous day. The British pound rose 0.06% to $1.33, and the yen weakened to 158.57 per dollar.

Meta is among five AI hyperscalers expected to invest around $1.2 trillion in capital expenditures next year, according to Goldman Sachs. The sector's global earnings growth forecast is a doubling compared to the same quarter a year ago. Emerging markets could see twice that growth. Shares in South Korean AI infrastructure firm Elice Group opened 16% lower than their initial public offering price following a 201.1 billion won IPO.

Brent crude oil rose 0.21% to $109.78 per barrel, US West Texas Intermediate gained 0.15% to $103.82 per barrel, while gold fell 0.51% to $4,118.71 per ounce. An executive order issued by former US President Donald Trump waived certain Russia-related sanctions and tariffs, but he has not yet announced a final decision on the matter.

French authorities imposed curfews in several cities following riots and looting sparked by nationwide anti-government protests. Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Kevin Warsh, suggested the central bank was not yet ready to raise interest rates again. The European Central Bank's Olli Rehn and Martin Kocher were set to speak later in the day, and Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member Megan Greene delivered a speech at the London School of Economics.

Euro Stoxx 50 futures fell 0.71%, DAX slipped 0.40%, and FTSE dropped 0.44%. Bitcoin declined 0.67% to $81,386.40, and ether fell 0.54% to $2,385.75.