Asian markets surge on US rate hopes, tech fired by chip deal | Business

HONG KONG, Oct 2, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Asian equities jumped Thursday after data showing job losses in the US private sector fanned optimism for more interest rate cuts and overshadowed a partial shutdown of the country's government. Tech firms led the way higher as a deal between South Korea's biggest chip firms and OpenAI added fuel to the AI-led rally that has helped push markets to record highs. While debate rages over the impact of the closure of some US departments owing to a standoff between lawmakers in Washington, investors continue to focus on the outlook for more Federal Reserve rate cuts. And hopes were given a boost Wednesday by figures from payrolls firm ADP showing companies shed 32,000 posts...