Hitachi shares surged over 9% following a partnership announcement with OpenAI for global AI infrastructure. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 and Topix saw gains despite a rise in the unemployment rate to 2.6%. Services PMI improved, but manufacturing output declined. Major Asian markets showed mixed results or were closed. U.S. equity futures remained stable after indexes closed at record highs, with chipmakers like Nvidia leading the gains. The U.S. government shutdown paused economic data releases, potentially influencing the Fed's interest rate decisions.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.