Global Equity Brief

China Q1 GDP Beat Asia AI Surge Semis Mixed

China Q1 GDP Beat Asia AI Surge Semis Mixed

Key Questions

How did China's Q1 GDP perform?

China's Q1 GDP grew +5% YoY, the fastest in three quarters, with industrial output +5.7% in March. This anchored gains in Nikkei and ASX.

Which Asian markets benefited from AI boom?

Taiwan and South Korea climbed global equity ranks on AI strength, with TSMC at $1.8T +40% YTD and SK Hynix/Samsung +80%.

What contrasts exist in global semis performance?

Asia AI surge contrasts with ASML layoffs and India IT down 10% amid oil pressures and Europe rot. Global divergences are evident.

Q1 +5% YoY fastest 3Q/ind +5.7%Mar anchors Nikkei/ASX; Taiwan/SK AI boom TSMC$1.8T+40%YTD SK Hynix/Samsung+80% vs ASML layoffs/India IT-10% oil pressure Europe rot global divergences.

Sources (2)
Updated Apr 27, 2026