Asian Markets See Modest Gains Amid Lunar New Year Closures; US Stocks Fluctuate

• Asian stock markets experienced modest gains despite low trading volumes due to Lunar New Year holidays, with China, Hong Kong, and Singapore markets closed.
• Japanese and Australian stocks rose, pushing the MSCI Asia Pacific Index up 0.6% after three days of declines, following a volatile day on Wall Street.
• Concerns about artificial intelligence's economic disruption and return on investment are prevalent in Asia, a hub for chip development.
• Investors are focused on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path, with officials suggesting rates may remain stable but further cuts are possible if inflation targets are met.
• Japan plans to invest $36 billion in US oil, gas, and critical mineral projects, while the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's policy decision is awaited.