SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - South Korean and Japanese equities extended their record-setting momentum on Friday, moving in lockstep toward new highs while most other Asian markets ended lower amid mixed regional sentiment.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 led the advance, soaring 2.25 percent to 52,478, the first time the benchmark has ever topped the 52,000 threshold.
The rally accelerated after Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo signaled a pause in rate hikes, reinforcing expectations for renewed stimulus.
Tech shares also strengthened after Apple posted an 8 percent on-year increase in quarterly revenue, lifting suppliers across the region. Murata Manufacturing, a top MLCC component producer, jumped 12 percent to 3,395 yen ($22).
In Seoul, the KOSPI gained 0.5 percent to 4,107.5, closing out a historic week on a firm note.
Samsung Electronics climbed 3.27 percent to 107,500 won ($75.42), while Hyundai Motor surged 9.43 percent to 290,000 won on optimism stemming from the recently concluded Korea–U.S. tariff negotiations and the “Huang halo” following Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s high-profile visit.
On Thursday, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun met the visiting Nvidia chief for a late-night “chimaek” (chicken-and-beer) gathering in Seoul — a scene that underscored the deepening alignment between Korea’s top tech and mobility leaders.
NAVER — another core player in the emerging “AI alliance” orbiting Nvidia — rose 4.7 percent to 267,500 won.
NAVER Chairman Lee Hae-jin, who joined President Lee Jae Myung and Huang during their meeting, said the company plans to co-develop a “Physical AI” platform aimed at supporting national industries including defense and shipbuilding.
Robotics stocks also surged on the Huang effect after the CEO hinted at future collaboration with Korean robotics firms during Thursday’s Nvidia GeForce Gaming Festival.
Hyundai Autoever, specializing in automotive and robotics software, spiked 26.08 percent to 203,500 won, while Rainbow Robotics jumped 24 percent to 436,500 won.
The KOSDAQ climbed 1.07 percent, reclaiming the 900 level, driven by similar enthusiasm for robotics names. Neuromeka, known for its medical robotic arms, surged 20.15 percent to 31,900 won.
Elsewhere in Asia, sentiment was subdued.
China’s Shanghai Composite Index fell 0.81 percent to 3,954.79, slipping below the 4,000 mark as manufacturing activity contracted for the seventh straight month and PMI data disappointed.
Taiwan’s TAIEX slipped 0.19 percent to 28,233.35 amid weakness in export-oriented sectors.
As of 4:25 p.m., Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 1.15 percent at 25,985.
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