MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan rose 1.0%, while South Korea's tech-heavy index climbed 3.9%. Chip stocks saved the day with Nvidia jumping almost 8%, while Advanced Micro Devices surged over 8% and Broadcom rose 7%. "Should Starmer be replaced, gilt yields initially rise and the pound weakens," said Ruth Gregory, deputy chief UK economist at Capital Economics. Gold was also up 1.5% at $5,033 an ounce, having been as low as $4,403 at one stage last week. Brent edged down 0.8% to $67.52 a barrel, while U.S. crude fell 0.7% to $63.09 per barrel.

Source: The Star February 09, 2026 13:37 UTC