Asian stocks today, July 15 -- Asian markets advanced after softer-than-expected US inflation data strengthened expectations of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, while renewed optimism around the artificial intelligence (AI) sector further lifted sentiment.

South Korea's Kospi surged 6.3% at the open, while the small-cap Kosdaq climbed 4%. Heavyweights SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics advanced more than 10% and 6%, respectively.

The Korea Exchange also triggered a buy-side sidecar on the Kospi after Kospi 200 futures jumped 5%, resulting in a five-minute halt in programme buying.

Elsewhere, Japan's Nikkei 225 and Topix each rose 0.9%, while Australia's S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.6%.

US Treasuries stabilised after a strong rally on Tuesday...