Asia stocks rise; S.Korea at record high, Hong Kong up on tech gains

Asian equity markets rose on May 3, 2026, led by a tech-driven rebound in Hong Kong and a surge in South Korea where the KOSPI hit a record high. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed on gains in local tech names, while South Korean memory-chip stocks — notably SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics — lifted the KOSPI as chip supply shortages and strong Q1 earnings supported higher prices and revenues. Broader Asian markets tracked last week’s Wall Street gains, though regional volumes were reduced by holidays in Japan and China. Australia’s ASX 200 lagged, dipping amid renewed bets on another RBA rate hike. Market attention remains on upcoming US data (including nonfarm payrolls) and earnings, with geopolitical risks from the U.S.-Israel–Iran tensions adding caution. Overall the piece signals risk-on sentiment for Asian equities, particularly tech and chip sectors, while central-bank rate expectations and geopolitical headlines temper upside.