Asian share markets firmed on Monday as the boom in all things artificial intelligence continued to drive demand, offsetting a lack of progress in Gulf peace talks that challenged optimism on a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifted oil prices.

In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang Seng Index opened down two points, or 0.01 percent, at 25,180.

The China enterprises index opened down five points, or 0.07 percent, at 8,419 while the tech index opened up 10 points, or 0.22 percent, at 4,894.

On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite Index opened down one point at 4,067.

The Shenzhen Component Index opened up 25 points, or 0.17 percent, at 15,601 while the ChiNext Index opened up 19 points, or 0.48 percent, at 4,057.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 opened up almost 34 points, or 0.05 percent, at 66,363 before gaining more ground to be 667 points, or 1.01 percent, up at 66,996 at one point before midday.

In Seoul, the Kospi opened up nine points, or 0.11 percent, at 8,485 before skyrocketing 377 points, or 4.45 percent, to 8,853 at one point before noon.

"While uncertainties remain, the acute risk phase for the global economy should be over if tankers can begin moving again," said Michael Feroli, head of US economics at JPMorgan.

"Still, not everything would return to its pre-conflict place – oil prices are likely to remain elevated for some time, as inventories get rebuilt and the supply infrastructure in the Middle East is repaired."

A host of Fed members are set to speak this week, while major data include the ISM survey of manufacturing and the May payrolls report on Friday.

Market forecasts are for a solid rise of 85,000 in employment, keeping the jobless rate steady at 4.3 percent. Anything stronger would likely see the odds of a hike narrow further. (Reuters & Xinhua)



Edited by Raymond Yeung