<h1>Asian markets rise modestly as US stocks near records ahead of major chipmaker earnings and Fed uncertainty</h1> Asian markets rose modestly after U.S. benchmarks closed near record highs amid choppy trading and ahead of an earnings report from a major chipmaker seen as a bellwether for AI. Regional indices ticked up in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Australia, Taiwan and Thailand, while Indian markets were closed as new U.S. tariffs took effect. U.S. stocks advanced, buoyed by a large aircraft order and a deal for wireless spectrum rights, and consumer confidence slipped slightly. Markets weighed potential Federal Reserve rate cuts against political pressure on the central bank after the president moved to remove a Fed governor.