<h1>Asian markets climb as oil falls after reported pause in fighting eases risk; AI stocks and big deals lead gains</h1> Asian markets rose and oil fell after U.S. stocks hit records, aided by a reported pause in fighting between two regional conflict parties to allow hostage releases in exchange for prisoners, a move that eased geopolitical risk. Crude benchmarks dipped and gold trimmed gains but remained elevated. Major indexes in several Asian markets advanced after a holiday, while U.S. futures eased. Gains were driven by strong performance in AI-exposed stocks and several corporate deals, including a large acquisition by a major tech conglomerate and fundraising by an optics firm. Trading remained muted amid a U.S. government shutdown delaying key economic data and rate-cut signals.