Asian stock markets cheerful at start of new year on AI hopes

Asian markets began the new year Friday with gains, while US futures and oil prices also advanced.Hong Kong's Hang Seng jumped 2.2 per cent to 26,189.79 on a strong rally in tech shares.E-commerce giant Alibaba climbed 3.2 per cent and search engine and technology company Baidu jumped 7.5 per cent after it said it plans to spin off its artificial intelligence computer chip unit Kunlunxin, which would list shares in Hong Kong early 2027. The plan is subject to regulatory approvals.Markets were still closed i ...