Most Asian markets traded higher on Friday, buoyed by South Korea’s KOSPI index, while Chinese shares recovered earlier losses amid hopes for fresh stimulus from Beijing. However, trading volumes were lighter due to the closure of Japanese markets through January 6.

Highlights by Market
South Korea: Political Crisis Meets Market Resilience

The KOSPI index surged nearly 2%, snapping a five-day losing streak and erasing most of its weekly losses.
The recovery follows new policy measures announced Thursday to attract foreign investment and bolster domestic demand amid a political and economic crisis.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and suspension have added to economic uncertainty, but markets seem to have taken optimism from the government’s stabilization efforts.

China: Stimulus Hopes Lift Sentiment

Chinese stocks reversed earlier losses as investors speculated on potential stimulus measures aimed at boosting the world’s second-largest economy.

Regional Markets

Philippines: The PSEi Composite index climbed nearly 1%, reflecting broader positive sentiment in the region.
Singapore: The Straits Times Index edged higher, mirroring gains across Asian markets.
Australia: The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.6%, supported by strong commodity prices.
India: Nifty 50 Futures gained 0.2%, indicating a steady start to Friday’s trading.

Broader Market Trends

US Futures Stabilize:U.S. stock index futures inched higher during Asian trading hours, recovering from subdued performance at the end of 2024.

China’s Economic Prospects:Investors are cautiously optimistic about Beijing introducing new measures to stimulate consumer demand and stabilize its economy.

East Asia’s Strategic Role:South Korea’s market recovery is seen as a stabilizing force in East Asia, encouraging a ripple effect across neighboring markets.

Relevant Insights

Market Valuations: Assess broader trends and valuation metrics across Asian markets using the Sector Historical Overview API.
Key Market Ratios: Gain insights into P/E trends for various sectors with the Industry P/E Ratio API.
Geopolitical Impact: Monitor South Korea’s financial metrics using the Company Rating API to evaluate potential risk factors.