[MARKET ANALYSIS] Asia-Pac indices broadly softer, NQ futures outperform as INTC surges; European futures indicate a softer open

Asia-Pac stocks trade mostly in the red, ex. Nikkei 225, as bourses catch up to the selloff seen stateside, as risk-off flows dominated the tape after the reports that Israel is on high alert in anticipation of a possible renewed war this weekend.
ASX 200 slips further below the 8,800 handle, as losses in IT offset the gains made by Energy names.
Nikkei 225 outperforms, supported by the tech sector as chips benefit from Intel’s earnings (see more below). Ibiden, one of Japan’s biggest electronics company, has hit a new ATH while Canon slips after cutting its FY profitability guidance.
KOSPI faces headwinds following weak earnings by Hyundai Motor, in which Q1 net fell by 23.6% Y/Y. Analysts at Nomura highlight that the Co. is likely to face pressure on its earnings throughout 2026 due to global uncertainty driven by the Middle East conflict.
Hang Seng and Shanghai Comp. trade with the biggest losses, albeit just slightly, after a flurry of earnings. China Telecom reported Q1 net that fell by 17% Y/Y while autos underperform.
US equity futures are mixed, with NQ futures the clear outperformer after Intel surged over 19% after-hours as the Co. provided a solid Q1 report while raising its guidance.
European equity futures are indicative of a softer open with the Euro Stoxx 50 future -1.0% after cash closed -0.3% on Thursday.