Nvidia and Piazza Affari Surge: Stock Markets Rise as Trump’s China Trip Boosts Tech Enthusiasm

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Italian stock markets closed higher on Thursday, May 14, 2026, with the Piazza Affari index rising by 1%, as global tech stocks—particularly those tied to artificial intelligence—drew investor interest amid high-profile geopolitical developments.

The gains came as Nvidia Corp., the world’s leading AI chipmaker, became a focal point following its CEO, Jensen Huang, joining a U.S. Delegation led by former President Donald Trump during his visit to China. The move has intensified speculation about potential easing of export restrictions on advanced AI hardware, which could boost demand for Nvidia’s high-end GPUs in China, the world’s second-largest economy.

While no formal agreements or policy shifts were announced during the trip, market sentiment shifted positively as analysts and investors interpreted Huang’s participation as a signal of progress in negotiations over semiconductor supply chains. Nvidia’s stock, which had already surged in recent months due to robust AI demand, saw renewed buying pressure as traders bet on expanded access to its cutting-edge chips.

In parallel, Chinese AI-focused companies—including domestic developers of large language models and AI infrastructure—experienced a surge in stock prices. Bloomberg reported that shares of Chinese AI model developers rose sharply, reflecting bets that Huang’s involvement could help widen access to Nvidia’s advanced chips, which are currently subject to U.S. Export controls.

Nvidia’s financial performance remains strong, with the company reporting $215.9 billion in revenue, $130.4 billion in operating income, and $120.1 billion in net income for fiscal year 2026, according to its most recent filings. The company’s dominance in the AI hardware market—holding a 92% share of the discrete desktop and laptop GPU market as of early 2025—has made it a bellwether for the broader tech sector.

However, the geopolitical backdrop remains uncertain. While Trump’s visit to China has been framed as a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations, no concrete policy changes have been confirmed. Export controls on advanced AI chips, including Nvidia’s H200 series, remain in place, though industry observers suggest that behind-the-scenes discussions could lead to incremental relaxations.

For Italian investors, the Piazza Affari’s gains reflect broader optimism in global tech, particularly in sectors where AI-driven innovation is accelerating. The index’s performance also underscores the interconnected nature of financial markets, where developments in the U.S. And China—two of the world’s largest economies—can ripple through European equities within hours.

Analysts caution that the rally may be driven more by speculative sentiment than fundamental shifts. Without explicit policy changes, the long-term impact on Nvidia’s supply chain and revenue growth remains unclear. Yet, the stock’s resilience—even amid geopolitical tensions—highlights the enduring demand for AI infrastructure worldwide.

As markets digest the implications of Huang’s participation in Trump’s delegation, investors will be watching closely for any official statements or signals from U.S. Or Chinese authorities. Until then, the focus remains on Nvidia’s ability to sustain its growth trajectory while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

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Key Figures:

• Piazza Affari close: +1% on May 14, 2026
• Nvidia FY26 revenue: $215.9 billion
• Nvidia FY26 net income: $120.1 billion
• Nvidia GPU market share (Q1 2025): 92% of discrete desktop/laptop GPUs
• Employees (FY26): 42,000

Context: Nvidia’s stock performance is influenced by both its financial strength and geopolitical developments, particularly U.S.-China relations, which directly impact its ability to supply advanced chips to global markets.