Asian Stocks Rise for Sixth Session on AI Demand; Oil Slips on Saudi Supply Restart

Asian equities advanced for a sixth straight session on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, as consumer demand for AI applications lifted technology shares, while oil prices fell on reports of restored Middle Eastern supply. MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan rose 0.7%. South Korea gained 1.2% on AI-related optimism, with Samsung and SK Hynix each up more than 2%. Taiwan added 0.9%, nearing record highs. Japanese markets were closed for a holiday. Brent crude eased 0.1% to $99.18 a barrel and US crude fell 0.4% to $90.14 after sources said Saudi Arabia restarted its East-West Pipeline and may have resumed Red Sea exports from Yanbu. Falling oil kept 10-year Treasury yields below 5.0%, though two-year yields hit 4.7879%, their highest since mid-2024. Fed futures price a 54% chance of an October hike, with 33 basis points of tightening expected by year-end.