Asian shares head for sixth session of gains while oil remains subdued

Asian shares moved toward a sixth consecutive session of gains on Wednesday as optimism around technology and artificial-intelligence demand supported equity markets. The advance was broad but uneven across the region. Crude oil, meanwhile, remained under pressure as traders assessed signs of improving supply from the Middle East. Brent crude was around $99.18 a barrel, while U.S. crude traded near $90.14. Market attention focused on reports that Saudi Arabia had restarted operations on its East-West Pipeline and could resume more exports through the Red Sea. Expectations of diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran also weighed on oil prices, although uncertainty around the wider regional conflict remained high. Investors are balancing energy-supply developments with the outlook for interest rates and continued demand for technology-related assets.