Tech bounce lifts global stocks as dollar gains

Global stock markets experienced a surge on Wednesday, November 11, as optimism over artificial intelligence (AI) grew following strong results from data center operator CoreWeave. The tech-focused Nasdaq index closed up 1.6%, led by CoreWeave's better-than-expected third-quarter earnings and an optimistic outlook. This positive AI news helped offset concerns about the debt financing of AI projects.

Analyst Patrick O'Hare noted that CoreWeave's solid performance had alleviated worries about its ability to manage its heavy debt load, which had previously led to a significant sell-off in its shares. The AI trade complex, encompassing hardware, software, and semiconductor stocks, also benefited from this relief trade, as shares in these sectors rose.

Despite the Federal Reserve's hint of another interest rate hike in December to tackle lingering inflation, the US dollar surged to its highest level since May 2025, after a top Fed official mentioned the possibility of a 0.5 percentage point rate increase. Semiconductor companies, including scandal-ridden Nvidia, gained as well. However, Hong Kong's stock market fell amid the day's positive performance across Asia.