Apple Names New CEO; Korean Stocks Notch New High | The Asia Trade 4/21/2026

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  April 21, 2026 at 04:20  |  1:34:58  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Anne Walsh — Head of New Products, Coinbase
Mark Gurman — Chief Correspondent, Bloomberg News
Nerida Conisbee — Chief Economist, Ray White

Summary

Bloomberg's 'The Asia Trade' covers Apple's CEO transition to John Ternus and analyzes its implications for the company's AI strategy amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The program also explores investment opportunities in AI enablers, Asian equities, and real assets, while assessing the impact of the Iran war on oil markets and global inflation. Market updates show South Korean stocks hitting record highs on AI optimism, and private equity firm EQT raises a record Asia-focused fund.

  • Apple names John Ternus as new CEO, succeeding Tim Cook in September, seen as a continuity pick.
  • Geopolitical focus on U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks and the potential for a deal to ease oil market tensions.
  • Analysts highlight AI as a transformational investment theme, favoring enablers like semiconductors and data centers.
  • Japanese and Korean equities are viewed favorably due to corporate reforms and capital allocation improvements.
  • Private equity firm EQT raises a record $15.6 billion Asia buyout fund, targeting tech and healthcare.
  • South Korean stock index reaches a fresh record high driven by AI optimism and strong semiconductor exports.
  • Discussion on the impact of the Iran war on global oil supply, inflation, and central bank policy.
  • Australian housing market shows moderation in premium segments amid rising costs and interest rates.
Trade Ideas
Noriko Chen 51:44
AI enablers are investment opportunities.
AI is the next-generation transformational technology for the decade, and investments in the enablers—chip companies, infrastructure companies, and data centers—make sense and present opportunities.
SMH HIGH
Noriko Chen 51:44
AI enablers are investment opportunities.
The infrastructure layer, particularly data centers, is a clear opportunity for AI with a very long-term growth outlook that can be underwritten, as it represents the picks-and-shovels approach to the AI buildout.
SRVR HIGH
Noriko Chen 54:35
Japanese and Korean equities attractive due to reforms.
Japanese and Korean companies are undergoing structural reforms and better capital allocation, which will lead to higher profitability and valuations over multiple years, making them attractive long-term investments.
EWJ EWY HIGH
Anne Walsh Head of New Products, Coinbase 78:06
AI is a long-term tailwind for tech.
AI is a huge beneficiary and a long-term trend that will take years to play out, especially as adoption broadens across other market segments, providing strong tailwinds for the technology sector.
XLK HIGH
Anne Walsh Head of New Products, Coinbase 79:20
Asia equities and real assets are opportunities.
Asia equity markets stand to do very well due to AI and technology trends, and real assets like infrastructure and real estate are also good opportunities in the region.
AAXJ PAVE HIGH
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This Bloomberg Markets video, published April 21, 2026, features Noriko Chen, Anne Walsh discussing SMH, SRVR, EWJ, EWY, XLK, AAXJ, PAVE. 5 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Noriko Chen, Anne Walsh  · Tickers: SMH, SRVR, EWJ, EWY, XLK, AAXJ, PAVE