Asian markets kicked off 2026 with a significant surge in AI and semiconductor stocks, highlighting strong investor confidence in the sector. Chinese AI chipmaker Biren Technology made a notable debut on the Hong Kong stock exchange on January 2, 2026, with its shares more than doubling. The company successfully raised $716.85 million by selling 284.8 million shares at HK$19.60 each, despite its U.S. blacklisted status. This strong performance, which saw Biren raise HK$5.38 billion or $692 million, underscores robust investor interest in AI hardware, even as the company continues to incur losses due to heavy research and development costs. Biren plans to allocate 85 percent of the raised capital towards further research on new chips like the BR20X, marking it as the first Chinese GPU maker to list in Hong Kong. Major players like Nvidia are actively expanding their influence in the AI ecosystem, completing approximately 67 investment deals last year. Nvidia strategically backs "game changers" such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, often linking these investments to agreements for using its advanced systems. This approach not only supports AI development but also drives demand for Nvidia's platforms, strengthening its market position across various AI areas including model labs, data infrastructure, chips, and robotics. Meanwhile, other chip giants like AMD and ASML are also under close watch for 2026 AI growth. AMD designs processors for data centers and AI accelerators, competing directly with Nvidia. ASML, a crucial supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, holds a near-monopoly in essential advanced chip manufacturing equipment, with its revenue growing 21 percent and service revenue up 39 percent. Beyond the industry leaders, several lesser-known AI stocks are gaining attention for 2026. C3.ai offers enterprise AI software for sectors like healthcare and energy, while BigBear.ai focuses on decision intelligence for defense. SoundHound AI specializes in voice AI and conversational tools, and Veritone Inc. provides an AI operating system for managing unstructured data across media, legal, and government clients. In China, Baidu's stock rose sharply as its AI chip unit, Kunlun Tech, prepares for a Hong Kong IPO, aiming to capitalize on local investor interest and advance China's tech independence goals. However, an AI analyst has advised caution regarding Bloom Energy stock, despite its strong earnings and revenue growth, citing risks such as high debt, a high stock price relative to earnings, and increasing competition.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese AI chipmaker Biren Technology saw its shares more than double on its Hong Kong debut on January 2, 2026, raising $716.85 million.
- Biren Technology is the first Chinese GPU maker to list in Hong Kong and plans to use 85% of its raised capital for research on new chips like the BR20X.
- Nvidia significantly increased its investments in AI startups, completing about 67 deals last year, backing companies like OpenAI and Anthropic to drive demand for its platforms.
- AMD and ASML are key chip stocks to watch for 2026 AI growth; AMD competes with Nvidia in AI accelerators, while ASML dominates the market for advanced chip manufacturing equipment.
- ASML holds 90 percent of the market for advanced EUV and High-NA EUV machines, essential for powerful AI processors, and reported 21 percent revenue growth.
- Four lesser-known AI stocks to watch for 2026 include C3.ai (enterprise AI software), BigBear.ai (decision intelligence), SoundHound AI (voice AI), and Veritone Inc. (AI operating system).
- Baidu's stock rose as its AI chip unit, Kunlun Tech, prepares for a Hong Kong IPO, aiming to boost growth and support China's tech independence.
- South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix hit record highs, and Taiwan's TSMC rallied, announcing plans for ten 2nm factories and accelerating 1.4nm chip production.
- An AI analyst advises caution on Bloom Energy stock due to high debt, a high stock price relative to earnings, and increasing competition, despite strong earnings and revenue growth.
Chinese AI Chipmaker Biren Soars on Hong Kong Debut
Chinese AI chipmaker Biren Technology saw its shares more than double on its first day of trading in Hong Kong on January 2, 2026. The company, which is on a U.S. blacklist, raised $716.85 million by selling 284.8 million shares. Each share was priced at HK$19.60. This strong debut shows high investor interest despite its blacklisted status.
Biren Technology Soars on Hong Kong Stock Market Debut
Chinese AI chipmaker Biren Technology nearly doubled its value on its first day of trading in Hong Kong on January 2, 2026. This marks a big step as Biren is the first Chinese GPU maker to list there, raising HK$5.38 billion or $692 million. The company is still losing money due to heavy research and development costs, but investors showed strong interest in AI hardware. Biren plans to use 85 percent of the money raised for further research on new chips like the BR20X. Several major financial firms and investors supported the IPO.
Nvidia Boosts Investments in AI Startups
Nvidia is greatly increasing its investments in artificial intelligence startups, completing about 67 deals last year. The company aims to support "game changers" that grow the AI market and drive demand for its own platforms. Nvidia invests across various AI areas, including model labs, data infrastructure, chips, and robotics. It has backed major players like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, often linking investments to agreements for using Nvidia's systems. This strategy ensures capacity for AI development and strengthens Nvidia's ecosystem.
Four Lesser Known AI Stocks to Watch for 2026
While major tech companies like Nvidia and Microsoft lead the AI boom, four lesser-known AI stocks offer strong growth potential for 2026. C3.ai provides enterprise AI software for various industries like healthcare and energy. BigBear.ai focuses on decision intelligence and data analytics, helping sectors like defense make better choices. SoundHound AI specializes in voice AI and conversational tools for natural language understanding. Lastly, Veritone Inc. offers an AI operating system to manage and analyze unstructured data, serving media, legal, and government clients. These companies provide specialized AI solutions beyond the industry giants.
AMD and ASML Chip Stocks Watched for 2026 AI Growth
Investors are closely watching chip stocks AMD and ASML as artificial intelligence spending will greatly influence markets in 2026. AMD designs processors for data centers and AI accelerators, competing with Nvidia. ASML is unique as the only supplier of extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, which are essential for making the most advanced chips. Both companies are seen as long-term winners in the semiconductor industry, though they play different roles. Their success depends on continued strong AI budgets in the coming year.
Asia Markets Open 2026 with AI Chip Boom Bitcoin Stalls
Asian markets began 2026 with a strong focus on AI and semiconductor stocks, while Bitcoin saw little movement. Chinese GPU maker Biren Technology doubled its shares on its Hong Kong debut, raising $717 million due to huge investor demand. South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix hit record highs, pushing the KOSPI index to an all-time high. Taiwan's TSMC also rallied, announcing plans for ten 2nm factories and accelerating its 1.4nm chip production. Meanwhile, Bitcoin only gained a small 0.3 percent, showing investors are favoring AI and chip companies.
Baidu Stock Rises as AI Chip Unit Prepares for IPO
Baidu's stock rose sharply as the Chinese internet giant plans to spin off its AI chip unit, Kunlun Tech, for a listing in Hong Kong. This move taps into strong Chinese investor interest in local AI technology and supports China's goal of tech independence. Baidu has invested heavily in AI, and its Kunlun chips power autonomous driving and smart speakers. The spin-off aims to help Kunlun Tech grow faster and attract more investment. This IPO is expected to be a major event for China's AI sector, despite ongoing regulatory challenges for tech companies.
AI Analyst Cautions Investors on Bloom Energy Stock
An AI analyst suggests caution for investors considering Bloom Energy stock, despite assigning it a "62" rating and a price target of $118. Bloom Energy designs and sells fuel cell systems for power generation. The company shows strong earnings, revenue growth, and positive cash flow, which are good signs. However, the analyst points out risks like high debt, a high stock price compared to earnings, and increasing competition. These factors could affect Bloom Energy's financial health and profitability.
ASML Dominates AI Chip Equipment Market
ASML Holding, a company that makes equipment for semiconductor production, is a key player in the artificial intelligence boom. ASML builds advanced machines like EUV and High-NA EUV, which are vital for creating the most powerful AI processors. The company holds 90 percent of the market for these advanced machines and is about a decade ahead of its rivals. ASML's revenue grew 21 percent, and its service revenue, from maintaining equipment that lasts for decades, rose 39 percent. Despite its strong performance, ASML shares appear reasonably priced, offering a solid long-term investment in the AI infrastructure buildout.
Sources
- Chinese AI chipmaker Biren soars on trading debut
- Chinese AI Chipmaker Biren Skyrockets in Hong Kong Trading Debut
- Nvidia Accelerates Startup Investments in AI
- 4 Under-the-Radar AI Stocks to Buy for 2026
- AMD and ASML: Two chip stocks investors are watching as 2026 hinges on AI spending
- Chips Soar, Bitcoin Snores: Asia's 2026 Kicks Off
- Baidu Stock Surges. Chinese AI Takes Center Stage.
- Is Bloom Energy (BE) Stock a Buy? Be Cautious, Says Our AI Analyst
- Could This Equipment Maker Be the Hidden Winner of the AI Buildout?
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