South Korea's KOSPI Index opens up 0.06%.

South Korea's KOSPI Index opens up 0.06%.

South Korea's KOSPI Index opened up 0.06% on Monday, April 29, 2025, continuing the positive momentum from the previous trading day. The index, which sits just beneath the 2,550-point plateau, climbed 23.97 points or 0.95% to finish at 2,546.30 after trading between 2,534.94 and 2,553.33 [1].

The gains were driven by financial shares, chemical companies, and technology stocks, while automobile producers were relatively soft. Among the active stocks, Shinhan Financial rallied 2.05%, KB Financial accelerated 2.72%, and SK Hynix spiked 3.42% [1].

The lead from Wall Street was upbeat, with the major averages closing in the green after opening mixed. The Dow rose 20.10 points or 0.05% to finish at 40,113.50, the NASDAQ rallied 216.94 points or 1.26% to close at 17,382.94, and the S&P 500 climbed 40.44 points or 0.74% to end at 5,525.21 [1].

The global forecast for the Asian markets was positive, with easing tariff tensions between the United States and China contributing to the optimism. The University of Michigan's report indicated that consumer sentiment in the U.S. deteriorated less than previously estimated in April [1].

Crude oil futures moved modestly higher on Friday, with West Texas Intermediate crude for June delivery rising $0.23 or 0.4% to $63.02 a barrel [1].

Bel Fuse (NASDAQ:BELFA) declared a $0.06/share quarterly dividend, in line with previous, payable on August 1, for shareholders of record July 15 [2].

References:
[1] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/kospi-may-extend-fridays-gains
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/news/4436584-bel-fuse-declares-0_06-dividend