JAPAN , KOREA STOCKS FALL AS ASIAN MARKETS DIP - THE BUSINESS TIMES

What happened: Asian stocks struggled in early trade on Thursday, with Japan and Korea shares falling as investors weighed tech earnings, AI concerns, and Gulf tensions. Key numbers: MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index down 0.2 per cent, on track for a fourth straight weekly decline. Nikkei down 0.4 per cent, Korean shares down more than 1 per cent. Why it matters: Tech earnings optimism gave only fleeting support, and analysts cited uncertainty over an upcoming Fed decision, geopolitical risks, and US mid-terms as investors digest early earnings season. Coverage: 4 outlets in 24h

Asian stocks struggled in early trade on Thursday, with Japan and Korea shares falling as investors weighed tech earnings, AI concerns, and Gulf tensions.

Tech earnings optimism gave only fleeting support, and analysts cited uncertainty over an upcoming Fed decision, geopolitical risks, and US mid-terms as investors digest early earnings season.