Asia markets mixed as Kospi hits record high

September 15, 2025 (MLN): Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Monday, with South Korea’s Kospi index surging to a record high after Seoul scrapped plans to raise taxes on stock investments.

The Kospi climbed to 3,420.23 in early trade, marking its 10th straight session of gains. The small-cap Kosdaq also edged higher, up 0.15%, according to CNBC.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index added 0.16% at the open, while the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.27%.

On the mainland, the CSI 300 advanced 0.59% even as recent data showed China’s economy slowing in August, with retail sales and industrial output missing forecasts. Real estate investment continued to slump, contracting 12.9% in the first eight months of the year.

Elsewhere, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.34%. Japanese and Malaysian markets were shut for a holiday.

The cautious tone in Asia came as U.S. and Chinese officials held talks in Madrid on Sunday, focusing on security, economic, and trade issues, including the looming U.S. deadline to divest TikTok and ongoing tariff disputes.

Delegations were led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, meeting with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and trade negotiator Li Chenggang.

Meanwhile, U.S. equity futures were little changed in Asian hours ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting this week.

Investors are betting the central bank could deliver an interest rate cut when it concludes on Wednesday.

On Wall Street, the Nasdaq Composite closed at a record high Friday, logging a 2% weekly gain its second in a row.

The S&P 500 rose 1.6% for its strongest week since early August, while the Dow added 1%, breaking a three-week losing streak.

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