Asian stock markets have had their strongest start to a year on record, with regional currencies and bonds also strengthening as investors seek opportunities outside the United States. The MSCI Asia Pacific Index rose about 4% in the first four trading days of 2026, on track for its strongest start to a year since records began in 1988. An index tracking the region’s currency performance recorded its best start to the year since 2023, while dollar-denominated corporate bonds also rebounded. Raymond Sagayam, a partner at Pictet, noted, “U.S. exceptionalism has peaked and is beginning to wane.” He noted that emerging markets, including Asia, are poised to benefit from multiple tailwinds, including attractive valuations and close ties to the artificial intelligence value chain. These trends highlight the growing appeal of Asian markets to global investors, driven by the high valuations of U.S. tech stocks and the prospect of a weaker U.S. dollar. This also suggests that Asian tech stocks still have room to rise further.