EQUITIES

Nvidia's board approved a record US$150 billion increase to its share buyback programme, as the AI boom boosts the chipmaker's cash flow and investor returns.

MongoDB shares fell nearly 20% after CEO CJ Desai left immediately to join Meta. Former chief executive Dev Ittycheria was appointed interim CEO as the company reaffirmed its guidance.

Intel shares fell 5.6% on Monday after a sharp rally, as selling across AI-linked chip stocks, profit-taking, higher oil prices and rising bond yields pressured the sector.

Nvidia shares rose as the chipmaker announced a record $150 billion increase to its buyback authorisation and launched an open platform aimed at improving AI agent safety.

GameStop shares rose as investors weighed insider buying and Ryan Cohen's continued pursuit of eBay, despite the target's rejection and broader market weakness.

Twenty One Capital shares rose despite a weaker broader market, extending their recovery from August lows as investors weigh bitcoin prices, leadership changes and the company's unproven operating strategy.

US stocks opened lower as higher oil prices and Treasury yields intensified inflation concerns, while OpenAI's pause on advanced model training pressured chipmakers and technology shares.

Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.73% to 65,877.62 after an early rally above 67,000 faded, as investors took profits in chip and AI shares despite gains in financial stocks.

South Korea's KOSPI fell 2.7% to 6,889.74 after the Chuseok holiday, led by declines in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as foreign investors sold shares.

Ingenia Communities shares rose after Warburg Pincus increased its non-binding takeover proposal to A$5.25 per stapled security, although the board has not yet recommended the conditional offer.

Minerals 260 shares fell 10.64% to A$0.84, below the recent A$0.88 placement price, despite stronger gold-sector sentiment and continued development of its Bullabulling project.

South Korea's four largest entertainment agencies have seen their shares fall over six months despite strong global K-pop activity, highlighting concerns about artist concentration and profitability.

Nvidia, TSMC, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have surged on AI demand, but differ significantly in valuation, supply-chain position, growth prospects and exposure to semiconductor cyclicality.

Microsoft shares rose 3.15% to $513.60 as easing Treasury yields, optimism over Strait of Hormuz negotiations and a recent Stifel upgrade supported a broader technology-market rebound.

Akamai shares rose sharply after Anthropic committed $11.6 billion over seven years for cloud capacity, with a possible $9 billion expansion, despite major capital spending requirements.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 99 points on Friday as easing Treasury yield pressure and hopes for a phased Strait of Hormuz deal supported US stocks.

South Korea's KOSPI gained 0.9% to 7,080.92, led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, as investors adjusted positions before the four-day Chuseok holiday break.

CareDx shares rose nearly 8% after BTIG maintained its Buy rating and raised its price target to $74, while investors weighed clinical progress, acquisitions and valuation risks.

Twist Bioscience shares rose 10.27% to $174.78, extending a near-493% annual rally after an Eli Lilly partnership, higher revenue guidance and improving operating trends.

Everpure shares climbed 17.44% after the former Pure Storage outlined strong fiscal 2028 growth targets, extending a rally fuelled by AI demand, earnings and S&P 500 inclusion.

BSP Financial Group shares climbed 8.07% to $7.97 on the ASX, extending recent gains despite no specific company announcement being identified as the immediate catalyst.

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen bought about $26.4 million worth of shares, increasing his reported ownership as the retailer posted lower sales, higher profit and stronger collectibles revenue.

Lakefront Biotherapeutics shares rose 7.36% on Euronext Amsterdam as investors continued to assess the former Galapagos NV's rebrand, strategic changes and financial outlook.

South Korea's KOSPI traded above 7,100 for a third consecutive session, buoyed by Wall Street technology gains, semiconductor demand and easing Middle East tensions.

Micron shares extended their steep 2025 rally as investors focused on AI-driven memory demand, upcoming quarterly results and competitive pressure from China's CXMT.

Viking Therapeutics shares rose nearly 30% after maintenance-trial results showed patients retained most of their weight loss on less frequent dosing of experimental drug VK2735.

India's Nifty 50 fell 0.36% to 23,329 on Tuesday, ending a four-session winning streak as information technology stocks outweighed a stronger opening and positive global cues.

South Korea's KOSPI closed above 7,000 for a second straight session as record semiconductor exports, strong technology shares and easing index concentration supported the rally.

Sunrise Energy Metals shares rose 12.71% as investors backed the company's Syerston scandium project, supported by proposed US government financing and a Lockheed Martin offtake arrangement.