Asia markets rise ahead of Trump–Zelenskiy talks

August 18, 2025 (MLN): Asia-Pacific markets were largely higher on Monday as investors awaited discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

The talks follow the U.S.-Russia summit on resolving the war in Ukraine, which ended without a ceasefire agreement.

In Japan, the Nikkei 225 gained 0.96%, while the Topix advanced 0.7%. South Korea underperformed, with the Kospi falling 1.17% and the Kosdaq sliding 1.78%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 0.62%, while the mainland CSI 300 jumped 1.5% to reach its strongest level since October 2024. Taiwan’s Taiex edged up 0.43% after touching an intra-day high of 24,433.32.

In India, benchmarks extended gains, with the Nifty 50 climbing 1.35% and the BSE Sensex adding 0.89%.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 briefly touched an intra-day peak of 8,960 before settling 0.11% higher.

Meanwhile, Singapore posted weaker-than-expected trade data.

U.S. equity futures edged higher on optimism for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts, which concentrated on last week’s rally.

Still, the S&P 500 slipped 0.29% on Friday to close at 6,449.80 after touching a record high, as investors locked in profits.

The Nasdaq Composite declined 0.40% to 21,622.98, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average bucked the trend, gaining 34.86 points, or 0.08%, to end at 44,946.12. The Dow’s strength was fueled by a 12% surge in UnitedHealth shares.

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