Asian stock markets turned in a mixed performance on Monday as investors weighed changing sentiment around artificial intelligence-related shares and a sharp rise in oil prices. The uneven trade came as Brent crude moved above $90 a barrel, with energy markets reacting to worsening tensions involving the US and Iran.
South Korean equities were under pressure as investors reassessed AI bets and grew more cautious about how far valuations had run. The move highlighted a broader concern in the region that enthusiasm around artificial intelligence may have pushed some stocks to stretched levels.
Chinese shares, by contrast, outperformed regional peers. Market sentiment appeared to improve on optimism tied to domestic AI themes, helping lift Chinese equities even as other parts of Asia saw a more guarded tone.
The combination of higher oil prices and renewed scrutiny of AI-linked valuations left investors balancing growth expectations against rising geopolitical and market risks. For now, trading across Asia reflects a split market, with China showing relative strength while South Korea faces pressure from cooling sentiment around the AI trade.
