Asian markets advance, Kospi leads regional gains

November 13, 2026 (MLN): Asian markets traded mostly higher on Friday, with South Korea’s Kospi emerging as the region’s top performer, gaining 2.79%, while the small-cap Kosdaq advanced 2.43%.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.06%, while the broader Topix edged up 0.25%. In contrast, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.73%.

Investor sentiment remained influenced by developments surrounding US chipmaker Nvidia following the resignation of its founder and CEO, Jensen Huang, on Thursday.

Nvidia Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress has taken charge as interim CEO, while the company’s board searches for a permanent successor, according to CNBC.

Huang’s departure followed reports concerning alleged personal relationships and suspected links involving a Chinese intelligence operative, raising concerns over the company’s leadership transition.

Market participants also remained cautious following a surge in oil prices. Brent crude gained more than 3% on Thursday to settle at $95.82 per barrel after US President Donald Trump said Washington did not need a deal with Iran, fuelling concerns over a prolonged US-Iran conflict.

Meanwhile, investors are awaiting the release of October’s US Producer Price Index (PPI), which will provide further insight into wholesale inflation. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones expect the index to increase 0.4% month-on-month and 6.6% year-on-year.

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