Prime Highlights
- Asia-Pacific markets opened the week with strong gains, led by South Korea’s benchmark index reaching a fresh record high on robust technology stock performance.
- Investors focused on growth prospects and improving sentiment, brushing aside tariff concerns as regional equities extended their upward momentum.
Key Facts
- South Korea’s KOSPI climbed 1.7% to a record level, powered by gains of over 3% in SK Hynix and more than 2% in Samsung Electronics, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced over 2%.
- U.S. markets had closed higher following developments involving President Donald Trump and the Supreme Court of the United States, helping lift sentiment across Asian trading sessions.
Background
Asia-Pacific markets opened the week on a strong note, with several key indices posting gains even as investors assessed new U.S. tariff plans and a recent court ruling on trade policy.
South Korea led regional advances. The Kospi rose 1.7% to a fresh record, extending its winning streak to a third session. Chipmakers SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics drove the rally with gains of more than 3% and 2%, respectively. The small-cap Kosdaq also moved higher, adding 0.74%.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index climbed over 2%, reflecting improved investor confidence across technology and financial stocks. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up 0.17% in early trading. Markets in China and Japan remained closed for a holiday.
The gains came despite fresh tariff uncertainty from the United States. President Donald Trump said over the weekend that global tariffs would rise to 15% from 10%. The announcement followed a U.S. Supreme Court decision that struck down parts of his earlier trade actions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Analysts said the ruling limits some tools but does not remove the broader tariff framework.
Market participants appeared to focus on growth prospects rather than policy risks. U.S. stocks had already closed higher on Friday after the court decision, easing concerns about cost pressures and inflation. That positive lead helped lift sentiment across Asia.
Outside equities, risk assets showed mixed moves. Bitcoin fell more than 3% to below $65,000 as investors adjusted to shifting liquidity expectations. Oil prices also slipped, with Brent crude down 0.6% and West Texas Intermediate losing 0.78%, giving back earlier gains.
Economists said countries that have already signed trade agreements with the U.S. are likely to maintain cooperation, as trade remains a central policy priority.
Overall, regional markets showed resilience and continued to attract buying interest, supported by strong technology stocks, stable global cues and confidence in long-term economic growth.
