A fresh burst of optimism around artificial intelligence helped stocks make a strong start to 2026. Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 1.1% on a flurry of AI news out of Asia, while benchmark indexes in Europe and the UK hit new record highs. | A strong debut for chip designer Shanghai Biren Technology helped set the buoyant tone. Its shares jumped almost 76%, marking the best performance since early 2021 among Hong Kong listings that raised at least $700 million. | DeepSeek published a paper outlining a more efficient approach to developing AI, illustrating China's effort to compete with the likes of OpenAI. Such publications have foreshadowed the release of major DeepSeek models. | Gold and silver advanced, building on their best annual performances since 1979. Silver rose 4% past $74.40 an ounce. Gold climbed alongside gains in industrial metals such as copper and aluminum. | Oil prices slipped, with Brent crude futures trading below $61 a barrel, as a supply glut overshadowed threats to production. Civil unrest in Iran, and the US campaign against Venezuela, remain in focus.
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