Donald Trump's statement that firms that invest in the United States would not be hit with his threatened chip tariff helped boost shares in most tech stocks I-Hwa CHENG

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Sentiment was also lifted by hopes of easing geopolitical tensions after the Kremlin said Trump and Russia's leader Vladimir Putin were set to meet for talks in the coming days.

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Tech stocks were lifted by Trump's pledge of chip-tariff exemptions for companies that invest heavily in the United States or commit to do so.

"Donald Trump's latest tariff move was taken with a positive twist after the president confirmed a 100-percent levy on imported semiconductors, but threw a lifeline to firms like Apple, saying US-based manufacturers would be exempt," said City Index and

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