Asia stocks mixed amid Korean policy pause

August 28, 2025 (MLN): Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Thursday as investors digested the Bank of Korea’s latest policy decision.

South Korea’s central bank kept its policy rate unchanged at 2.5% for its second straight meeting despite an uncertain trade environment for the country, in line with expectations of economists polled by Reuters.

The Kospi added 0.28% while the small-cap Kosdaq lost 0.33%. The South Korean won strengthened 0.24% to 1,389.8 against the greenback.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.24%, and the Topix inched higher by 0.14%. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was flat, as CNBC reported.

In corporate news, Australian rare earths producer Lynas Rare Earths announced plans to raise about A$750 million ($488m) through a discounted share sale to support processing and exploration activities.

The stock will be issued at A$13.25, around a 10% discount to its last close, and shares have been placed on a trading halt.

Shares of Qantas rose to a record high after full-year earnings results beat estimates.

The carrier posted a 15% jump in underlying profit before tax to A$2.39 billion ($1.6bn), exceeding the Visible Alpha consensus estimate of A$2.38bn.

Revenue rose 8.6% to A$23.82bn for the year ended June 30, supported by resilient demand across domestic and international networks.

Elsewhere, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index slid 0.79%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 declined 0.18%.

Attention will turn to India’s markets as they reopen following Wednesday’s holiday.

Secondary U.S. tariffs of 25% on Indian shipments took effect Wednesday, raising overall duties on the country’s exports to 50%.

Barclays noted that “the risks to growth for the Indian economy have naturally become more real.”

The bank highlighted that India’s top exports to the U.S. electrical machinery, gems, and jewelry face the steepest tariff increases, though analysts expect trade talks between Indian and U.S. delegations to continue.

Asian chip stocks are also in focus after Nvidia reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue on Wednesday.

The company said sales growth this quarter will remain above 50%.

Despite strong results, shares slipped in extended trading as data center revenue missed estimates for the second consecutive period.

Nvidia stock is up 35% this year after nearly tripling in 2024.

Overnight on Wall Street, the three major U.S. benchmarks closed higher.

The S&P 500 gained 0.24% to finish at 6,481.40, marking a fresh all-time closing high.

The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.21% to 21,590.14, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 147.16 points, or 0.32%, to 45,565.23.

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