Asian stock markets closed higher across the region! KOSPI surged the most as investors awaited the results of the Federal Reserve meeting.

Asian stock markets rose across the region today (March 18, 2569), led by South Korean stocks, as investors assessed Japanese trade data and awaited the outcome of the U.S. Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting, where markets expect interest rates to remain in the 3.5%–3.75% range.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East continue to weigh on investment sentiment following attacks on energy infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates, raising concerns about the stability of global energy supply.

Japanese stock market

The Nikkei index surged nearly 3% after better-than-expected Japanese trade data showed February exports growing 4.2% year-on-year, exceeding economists' forecasts and boosting industrial and export-related stocks.

• The Nikkei closed at 55,239.40, up 1,539.01 points, or +2.87%.

Chinese stock market

The Shanghai Composite Index edged up slightly, following regional markets, even as investors continued to monitor the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the global economy.

• The Shanghai Composite Index closed at 4,062.98, up 13.08 points, or +0.32%.

Hong Kong Stock Market

The Hang Seng Index continued its upward trend, driven by buying in technology and cyclical stocks, as investors responded to improved investment sentiment in regional markets.

• The Hang Seng Index closed at 26,025.42 points, up 156.88 points, or +0.61%.

South Korean stock market

The KOSPI index surged more than 5%, leading Asian markets driven by buying in technology stocks, with Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix shares showing strong gains.

Furthermore, the South Korean president is pushing for capital market reforms to address the "Korea Discount" problem and enhance market transparency, thereby boosting investor confidence.

• The South Korean Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed at 5,925.03 points, up 284.55 points or 5.04%.

refer : www.cnbc.com

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