Asian shares in positive, Seoul and Tokyo lead gains on tech and battery upside

SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Major Asian stock markets remained broadly positive Wednesday, with Seoul and Tokyo taking the lead, although at moderated pace from recent rallies.

In Seoul, the KOSPI advanced 0.7 percent to 3,815, while the KOSDAQ gained 0.9 percent to 1,146 as of midday.

Bellwether Samsung Electronics extended gains, whereas SK hynix slipped on profit-taking after briefly touching the 500,000-won threshold. Petrochemical and battery material stocks led the winners on expectations of stronger quarterly earnings — Isu Chemical hit the daily ceiling of 30 percent, and EcoPro surged 12 percent.

Tokyo’s market extended gains on expectations of pro-growth economic policies under incoming Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Nikkei 225 jumped 2.46 percent to 42,849.67, driven by technology and export-oriented firms poised to benefit from continued monetary easing and fiscal expansion.

In China, the Shanghai Composite Index inched up to 3,870.75 amid easing U.S.–China trade tensions and renewed government stimulus. The Shenzhen Component Index also opened higher, extending its 2-percent gain from the previous day. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index advanced on optimism over high-level trade talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping slated for later this month.

Elsewhere, Taiwan’s TAIEX added 0.5 percent on tech strength, Vietnam’s VN Index rose 0.58 percent to 1,606 led by financials, while Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite edged down 0.2 percent on profit-taking after recent rallies.

Lee Jung-woo cannes2030@ajupress.com