Hanwha restructuring lifts Korean stocks as Asian shares end mixed

Graphics by AJP Song Ji-yoon

SEOUL, January 14 (AJP) - Asian equities ended mixed on Wednesday, with South Korea's benchmark index closing at a record high, while markets elsewhere in the region showed divergent performances.

South Korea’s KOSPI rose 0.65 percent to close at 4,723.10. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ fell 0.72 percent to 942.18, as investors rotated selectively between sectors.

Market attention centered on Hanwha Group after it unveiled plans to split its businesses, separating defense, energy and financial units from its technology and lifestyle operations. The announcement triggered sharp moves across Hanwha affiliates.

Hanwha Galleria jumped 30 percent to 1,622 won, hitting its daily upper limit, while Hanwha Life Insurance climbed 10.4 percent to 3,385 won.

Among large-cap stocks, Samsung Electronics gained 1.96 percent to 140,300 won, while SK hynix rose 0.54 percent to 742,000 won. Hyundai Motor added 1.35 percent to 411,500 won, and Doosan Enerbility advanced 2.99 percent to 89,600 won.

Losses were seen in LG Energy Solution, which fell 1.1 percent to 389,500 won, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, which slid 4.7 percent to 615,000 won.

In currency markets, the South Korean won weakened to around 1,475 per dollar.

Elsewhere in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.48 percent to end at 54,341.23, supported by speculation that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could call a snap general election as early as next month, a move investors see as raising the likelihood of more expansionary fiscal policy.

In China, the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.3 percent to 4,125.94, retreating in afternoon trade after earlier gains. Hong Kong stocks were little changed, with the Hang Seng Index edging up about 0.1 percent.
Ryu Yuna Reporter Julia37@ajupress.com

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