SEOUL, January 23 (AJP) – Asian equities opened higher on Friday, with South Korean stocks leading gains as easing global trade tensions lifted investor sentiment.
South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI climbed back above the 5,000 mark in early trading. As of 9:48 a.m. local time, the index was up 1.17 percent at 5,010.28. The tech-heavy KOSDAQ rose 0.82 percent to 978.26.
Institutional investors were net buyers of 191.0 billion won ($94 million), while individual investors and foreigners sold a net 138.1 billion won and 81.8 billion won, respectively.
Among heavyweight stocks, Samsung Electronics rose 2.1 percent to 155,500 won. SK hynix slipped 0.4 percent to 752,000 won, while LG Energy Solution fell 0.48 percent to 415,000 won. Samsung Life Insurance gained 2.68 percent to 183,600 won, and Samsung Biologics advanced 1.07 percent to 1,797,000 won.
Automakers traded mixed. Hyundai Motor rose 0.76 percent to 533,000 won, extending recent gains, while Kia fell 0.3 percent to 164,100 won.
Defense and aerospace shares declined, with Hanwha Aerospace down 1.01 percent at 1,276,000 won.
Shipbuilders outperformed, supported by expectations of improved earnings and new orders this year. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries gained 2.45 percent to 628,000 won, while Hanwha Ocean jumped 4.5 percent to 143,900 won.
Construction and redevelopment-related stocks also drew attention as major builders positioned for a new wave of urban renewal projects. With multiple contractor selections scheduled in key redevelopment districts such as Seongsu and Apgujeong, competition among builders has intensified.
Daewoo Engineering & Construction surged 11.07 percent in early trade, after entering the bidding race with its premium “Summit” brand.
In the foreign exchange market, the South Korean won weakened, with the dollar trading at 1,468.7 won, up 3.70 won from the previous session.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japanese shares were higher, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.17 percent to 53,782.57.
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