BUSINESS

The Nikkei 225 gained 1.31% to its highest close since last week's sell-off as strong CoreWeave earnings boosted AI and semiconductor shares despite renewed US rate concerns.

Nebius shares rose more than 15% after rival CoreWeave reported strong growth and raised its forecast, with investors now focused on Nebius' earnings, spending and financing plans.

Azenta shares climbed 18% after the life sciences company exceeded fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while its fiscal 2027 outlook surpassed analyst forecasts.

CoreWeave shares surged nearly 20% after third-quarter revenue beat expectations, forecasts were raised and executives pointed to strong demand, easing concerns about slowing AI infrastructure spending.

The Nasdaq rose 1.5% and the S&P 500 gained 0.9% after CoreWeave's strong results boosted AI stocks, while rate concerns kept the Dow near flat.

McDonald's customers across the US reported problems placing mobile orders on Veterans Day, as outage trackers recorded complaints following the launch of a popular Pokémon Happy Meal promotion.

Reports have intensified scrutiny of Alice Huang's background, relationship with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and alleged role in chip exports to China as Nvidia investigates.

Nvidia's board has appointed former US prosecutor Joon H. Kim to investigate CEO Jensen Huang's relationship with a woman linked by US agencies to alleged Chinese spying.

Australian businesses are entering a rapidly changing search market, with 20 SEO agencies assessed on awards, independent rankings, services, locations, pricing transparency and emerging AI search expertise.

Nvidia shares have fallen nearly 10% in two sessions as investors assess leadership uncertainty surrounding Jensen Huang, while analysts remain broadly bullish on the company's artificial intelligence business.

Reports have shed light on Alice Huang's business ties in China and Singapore as Nvidia investigates claims involving her, Jensen Huang's affair and alleged links to Beijing.

Monadelphous shares reached a record high after the engineering contractor issued first-half guidance above market forecasts, citing strong activity and A$830 million in new contracts.

PLS Group shares gained 6.5% as lithium stocks rallied on the ASX, although the producer remains exposed to volatile spodumene prices and battery-market demand.

Sunrise Energy Metals shares climbed nearly 8% as investors assessed progress on the Syerston scandium project, proposed US financing and the company's planned Nasdaq listing.

Life360 shares gained 10% on the ASX after falling 15.3% following quarterly results, as investors weighed strong growth against slower expected subscriber additions and weaker advertising margins.

NRW Holdings shares rose 6.5% as Australian mining services stocks extended their rally, following strong guidance from Monadelphous and renewed investor interest in contractors.

Macquarie Bank has admitted misleadingly unclear savings-rate descriptions and jointly proposed a $14 million penalty with ASIC, subject to court approval, after compensating nearly 40,000 customers.

The ASX 200 rose 0.12% as technology and small-cap stocks offset mining losses triggered by hotter US inflation, while CBA reported stronger profit and warned on household pressures.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has apologised for an extramarital affair as the company investigates reports of possible foreign intelligence links, sending shares sharply lower.

Lori Huang's career, family, philanthropy and long partnership with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang are under renewed scrutiny following reports of an affair and a board investigation.

Csquare reported 25.6% third-quarter revenue growth, record bookings for a 14th consecutive quarter and higher full-year guidance, sending its shares sharply higher in morning trading.

AAON shares jumped more than 23% after record third-quarter sales and earnings beat forecasts, driven by data centre cooling demand, while the company raised its full-year outlook.

MARA shares rose more than 13% after the company announced a $500 million buyback, repaid bitcoin-backed debt and reported profit boosted by gains on its holdings.

Sanmina shares rose more than 10% after the electronics manufacturer exceeded fourth-quarter estimates and issued a stronger fiscal 2027 forecast, powered by demand for AI server systems.

First Tracks shares rose nearly 8%, extending a 160% annual gain after early trial results suggested ANB033 could protect people with celiac disease from gluten-related damage.

Anthropic has set a $70-$78 share range for its IPO, which could raise up to $64.4 billion and value the AI company at about $1 trillion.

Ring has unveiled a flying indoor security camera and wheeled patrol robot, but the drone's US launch depends on Federal Communications Commission approval.

Nvidia's board has opened an independent investigation into whether CEO Jensen Huang was targeted by a foreign intelligence effort, while Huang remains in charge and pledges to cooperate.

South Korea's KOSPI jumped 4.59% as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rebounded sharply, helped by strong US technology gains after last week's steep market sell-off.