Asian stocks start week buoyant, led by Seoul and Tokyo

Graphics by AJP Song Ji-yoon

SEOUL, January 12 (AJP) — Asian equity markets opened the week on a strong note Monday, with Seoul and Tokyo leading gains as optimism over robotics and artificial intelligence continued to lift technology and industrial value chains across the region following last week’s CES showcase.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.6 percent to 51,939.9 in early trading, supported by gains in exporters and technology shares amid a weaker yen and renewed optimism over global demand.

In Seoul, the benchmark KOSPI rose 1.3 percent to 4,646.7 as of 10:17 a.m., extending last week’s rally after the index broke above the 4,500 mark for the first time. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ added 0.8 percent to 955.3.

Investor flows were mixed. Individual investors were net buyers of about 311.8 billion won ($231 million), while foreign investors sold roughly 439.4 billion won and institutions added around 74.0 billion won, according to exchange data.

Among large caps, Samsung Electronics gained 0.9 percent to 140,900 won, while SK hynix climbed 1.9 percent to 758,000 won, extending gains on expectations of sustained demand for high-performance memory used in artificial-intelligence servers.

Defense-related stocks also moved higher. Hanwha Aerospace rose 0.7 percent to 1,229,000 won amid expectations of increased global defense spending and persistent geopolitical tensions.

Hanwha Ocean stood out among gainers, surging 9.2 percent to 146,800 won, as investors priced in stronger earnings prospects driven by rising LNG carrier prices and potential offshore plant orders. Doosan Enerbility advanced 5.1 percent to 88,700 won.

“LNG carrier prices are expected to rise further this year, while several offshore projects are scheduled for order decisions in the first half,” said Kim Dae-sung, an analyst at DS Investment & Securities. “These factors could significantly improve profitability.”

In currency markets, the Korean won weakened past 1,460 per U.S. dollar, giving back year-end gains amid authorities’ efforts to stabilize the market and renewed dollar strength entering the new year.

Elsewhere in Asia, China’s Shanghai Composite rose 0.9 percent to 4,120.4, as selective buying returned to industrial and state-owned enterprises.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was slightly lower in early trade, with financial shares under mild pressure.
Ryu Yuna Reporter Julia37@ajunews.com

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