Equity markets across Asia are likely to rise on Thursday, assuming the initial gains in Nvidia shares in after-hours U.S. trading on Wednesday following the company's fourth-quarter earnings are sustained. The U.S. chip-making and artificial intelligence giant won't be the only influence - traders in Asia have on their plate PMI reports from Japan, Australia and India; inflation data from Hong Kong; and South Korea's latest interest rate decision and guidance. But for stocks, at the open at least, it will be all about Nvidia.