KOSPI's 3.61% drop led Asia lower into AI earnings, and the tell is positioning: Chris Weston of Pepperstone says traders are happy to cover shorts and unwind defensives but lack conviction to rebuild

What happened: Asian stocks fell broadly on Tuesday while oil rose as geopolitical risks weighed on sentiment ahead of key results from AI bellwether companies. Key numbers: MSCI Asia ex-Japan fell 0.93%, Nikkei 225 dropped 1.28%, KOSPI tumbled 3.61%. Brent rose 0.21% to $109.78 a barrel, WTI gained 0.15% to $103.82. Dollar index fell 0.05% to 101.92. Why it matters: Investors await earnings from Meta, Tesla, Lam Research and Texas Instruments for evidence that consumers and the economy remain resilient. A Pepperstone analyst said markets lack conviction to rebuild aggressive AI exposure.

Asian shares tumble and oil rises as markets await AI sector results.

Asian shares tumble and oil rises as markets await AI sector results. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.