Apple (AAPL) Earnings Drive Markets in Australia and Japan Higher

Markets in Australia and Japan are set to rise, reflecting gains on Wall Street with the S&P 500 up 1.02% to a record 7,209.01. Strong earnings from Apple (AAPL) contributed to this optimism despite weaker-than-expected U.S. GDP growth of 2% annualized, below the 2.2% consensus estimate. Brent crude prices increased to over $126 per barrel amidst geopolitical tensions. The S&P/ASX 200 futures indicated a slight increase to 8,795, while Japan's Nikkei 225 futures were at 59,765, showing a positive market outlook.