The Nasdaq Composite closed out its strongest quarter in six years on Tuesday, driven by sustained investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence that overshadowed lingering concerns over geopolitical tensions and inflation.
US equity indices finished the session higher, with the tech-heavy benchmark leading the charge.
The Nasdaq’s performance stands in contrast to the broader Asian equity landscape, where Japan’s Nikkei 225 is also wrapping up a historic second quarter with gains exceeding 36%.
The rally reflects a market regime where growth expectations tied to AI infrastructure spending continue to dominate pricing, even as macro headwinds persist.
In currency markets, the Japanese yen extended its decline against the US dollar, reinforcing the broad-based risk appetite that has characterized the quarter.
The dollar’s strength underscores the divergence in monetary policy expectations and the safe-haven flows that have supported US assets.
The Nasdaq’s performance stands in contrast to the broader Asian equity landscape, where Japan’s Nikkei 225 is also wrapping up a historic second quarter with gains exceeding 36%.