Global equity markets staged a broad-based rally on Thursday, led by a resurgence of investor appetite for artificial intelligence names.

The advance was underpinned by robust financial results from major US semiconductor manufacturers, signaling that demand for AI infrastructure remains resilient despite earlier volatility in the sector.

The rebound helped lift sentiment across global indices, marking a shift from recent caution among technology investors.

In a separate development, Johnson & Johnson’s decision to lower its earnings guidance did not trigger significant selling pressure.

Market participants appear to view the pharmaceutical giant’s adjustment as a manageable recalibration rather than a fundamental deterioration in its business outlook.

This muted reaction suggests that investors are distinguishing between sector-specific AI momentum and isolated corporate guidance shifts.