Stock indices in Japan, Taiwan, Australia, and China hit record highs 'except Korea'

While Korea's KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices remained stagnant, major Asian stock indices hit all-time highs.

According to the financial investment industry on the 18th, Japan's Nikkei Average Stock Price (Nikkei 225 Index) closed the day at 43,714.31 yen. During the session, it climbed as high as 43,835.12 yen, surpassing its all-time record for the third trading day since the 13th.

Taiwan's Capitalization Weighted Index (加權) also set an all-time high during the day, reaching 24,515.65. The Capitalization Weighted Index, which had fallen to 17,306.97 in April due to mutual tariff shocks with the United States, has continued its upward momentum this month, breaking through the 24,000 mark.

Australia's ASX200 Index also hit a record high on this day. China's Shanghai Composite Index and Shenzhen Composite Index each reached their highest levels in a decade since 2015. As global tariff concerns ease and governments step up stimulus measures, stock indices are showing a strong trend.

The KOSPI and KOSDAQ indices have ranked high in terms of annual growth, but have recently lost momentum. On this day, the KOSPI Index fell by 48.38 points (1.5%) to drop below the 3,200 mark. The KOSDAQ Index also declined by 17.21 points (2.11%), falling below the 800 mark.

It seems that domestic policy uncertainty is holding back the stock market more than external factors. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea has announced that the processing of the Yellow Envelope Act and the second amendment to the Commercial Act will be scheduled for the plenary session of the National Assembly on the 21st. The business community is concerned that the burden on companies will increase.

Jang Ji-min, Hankyung.com guest reporter newsinfo@hankyung.com