New Delhi, Aug 27: Asian stock markets moved higher on Thursday as a strong outlook from US chipmaker Nvidia lifted investor sentiment and renewed optimism around the ongoing boom in artificial intelligence.

Asian stocks gained around 0.6 per cent, with South Korea’s Kospi leading the rise. Japan’s Topix also advanced about 0.4 per cent, while Hang Seng futures slipped 0.2 per cent.

Nvidia’s upbeat sales outlook has encouraged investors to believe that the strong run in AI-related technology stocks may have further room to continue. The company’s performance is being closely watched as demand for AI chips and data-centre infrastructure remains a key driver of the global technology sector.

In the commodities market, gold remained above $4,600 an ounce as investors turned their attention to the Federal Reserve’s next steps on interest rates and inflation. Gold rose as much as 0.7 per cent and was last trading around $4,619.54 an ounce. Silver gained 1.3 per cent to $68.99, while platinum and palladium also recorded gains.

Oil prices moved slightly lower following a volatile trading session. Investors continued to weigh diplomatic developments in the Middle East against rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Brent crude moved towards $87 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate remained below $82.

Copper also slipped, falling 0.7 per cent on the London Metal Exchange after reaching a record closing level in the previous session. Despite the decline, copper has gained about 15 per cent this year, supported by strong demand, tight mine supplies and increased shipments to the United States.

Indian equity markets ended lower on Wednesday after surrendering their early gains. The Nifty 50 declined 126.80 points, or 0.52 per cent, to close at 24,207.75, while the Sensex fell 183.15 points, or 0.24 per cent, to settle at 77,472.94.

Investors are now closely tracking global market movements, commodity prices and signals on US monetary policy. The Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole meeting is expected to remain a major focus as markets look for greater clarity on inflation and the future direction of interest rates.

Overall, market sentiment remains mixed, with optimism over the technology sector being balanced by concerns around inflation, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over monetary policy.