Prime Highlights
- South Korea’s KOSPI reached a record high, leading gains across Asian markets.
- Strong performance in global markets, especially the U.S., boosted investor confidence across the region.
Key Facts
- The KOSPI surged 2.84%, supported by gains in major tech companies.
- Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.93%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 and TOPIX gained 0.72% and 1.12%, respectively.
Background:
Asian stock markets moved higher on Thursday, led by a sharp surge in South Korea’s benchmark index, as investors followed strong gains from Wall Street and resumed trading after the Lunar New Year holiday. The rally reflected growing confidence in global equities, especially in technology-driven markets.
South Korea’s KOSPI jumped 2.84% to reach a new record high, supported by strong performances in major technology stocks. Shares of Samsung Electronics rose 4.14%, while SK Hynix gained 1.48%. The smaller KOSDAQ index also climbed 4.68%, showing broad-based strength in the country’s equity market.
Analysts noted that South Korea has emerged as one of the top-performing markets in the Asia-Pacific region. In a recent report, Goldman Sachs said Korean stocks may continue to grow, with a strong outlook for 2026 after a good rise in 2025. The bank suggested that it may still be too early for investors to scale back their positions despite the recent rally.
Other regional markets also recorded gains. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 went up 0.93%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.72%, and the TOPIX gained 1.12%. However, markets in Hong Kong and mainland China remained closed due to the Lunar New Year holiday.
Asian markets followed gains from the U.S., where stocks ended higher overnight. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.26%.
Investors are watching the Federal Reserve for signals on interest rates. The market rise shows better confidence and steady growth ahead.
