In Seoul, the KOSPI slipped 0.53 percent to 3,728.50 as profit-taking set in after a bullish run to record highs. The secondary Kosdaq also traded lower. Samsung Electronics edged down 0.2 percent while SK hynix was flat, even as Taiwan’s TSMC reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profits. Automakers extended gains on optimism over a Korea–U.S. settlement on auto tariffs. Hyundai Motor rose 1.24 percent and Kia added 0.72 percent, supported by robust U.S. sales.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened slightly lower amid cautious sentiment following Wall Street’s overnight decline on reports of bad loans at two U.S. banks. An adjustment by the Osaka Exchange to restore standard price limits for options trading also dampened volatility expectations.
China’s Shanghai Composite Index rose 0.10 percent to 3,916.20, lifted by gains in property and energy shares after the IMF upgraded Asia’s 2025 growth outlook and highlighted China’s recovery momentum. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index opened mildly higher, supported by rebounds in tech and property stocks, though lingering U.S.–China trade tensions capped broader gains.
In Taipei, the TAIEX fell 247.96 points to 27,399.91, pressured by foreign investor selling and fading enthusiasm for AI chip stocks.
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