Asian stock markets opened volatile as investors watched Nvidia's earnings and US economic data point to global market trends.

Asian stock markets swung ahead of key US economic data, while AI trends were tested again by Nvidia's earnings this week. Bitcoin rebounded slightly after declining and wiping its year-to-date returns.

On November 17, 2568, at 09.00:6 AM, Bloomberg News reported that Asian stock markets opened the week with volatility as investors awaited Nvidia's earnings report and new economic data from the United States, which could determine the short-term direction of global markets. The MSCI Asia Pacific index fell slightly after initially gaining, while South Korea's Kospi surged 1.7%. Chinese and Hong Kong markets weakened, and Japan was pressured by the first economic contraction in six quarters, causing tourism and retail stocks to fall due to heightened China-Japan tensions.

Despite selling pressure in most Asian markets, investment sentiment improved after US futures recovered, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts continuing to gain, while Bitcoin rose 1.4% after a decline that had previously sent its returns to negative territory, reflecting a slight recovery in demand for riskier assets.

Investors are keeping an eye on the release of US economic data this week, particularly the labor market figures that directly influence the Federal Reserve's (Fed) interest rate decision. The market has been lacking fresh cues in recent weeks, and several Fed officials expressed opposition to a December rate cut, pushing the odds of a cut below 50% and increasing uncertainty over the US financial outlook.

On the tech side, AI trends remain closely watched, with Nvidia due to release its earnings on Wednesday, a crucial test of whether its stock price, which has surged more than 42% since the beginning of the year, is still supported by its earnings. Many investors believe that a lower-than-expected result could pressure the broader tech market and increase volatility.

In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin rebounded 1.6% to $95,000, but is still below the all-time high it hit last month, which came as market expectations of the Trump administration's pro-crypto policies became excessive. These expectations have since faded, leading to increased volatility in crypto prices.

The Japanese economy's summer contraction also fueled Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi 's calls for a large-scale stimulus package, while Goldman Sachs warned that a larger-than-expected stimulus could increase fiscal risks, impacting long-term bonds and the already weak yen.

In commodities, WTI crude oil opened the week in negative territory, down around 1%, while gold rose 0.3%. Despite the earlier decline, the metal is still up more than 50% year-to-date and headed for its best year since 1979.

Top corporate news includes US airlines resuming normal flights after more than a week of route restrictions, Samsung and SK, along with four major South Korean companies, preparing to invest a combined $550 billion, a White House report says Alibaba is providing technology support to the Chinese military, and Boeing plans to increase factory capacity to support increased aircraft production next year.

Reference: bloomberg.com

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