Asian markets closed higher on July 31, 2026, supported by a surge in semiconductor and artificial intelligence stocks following strong earnings from major technology companies. The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3,832.26, up 27.57 points or 0.72%. The Hang Seng Index closed at 25,884.43, up 25.55 points or 0.10%. The Nikkei closed at 64,362.02, up 2,494.59 points or 4.03%. The South Korea Composite Stock Price Index closed at 6,595.45, surging 1,001.89 points or 17.91%, a record high that saw it reclaim the 6,500 level. The S&P/ASX 200 closed at 8,976.80, up 9.10 points or 0.10%.