Japan's Nikkei 225 opens 0.42% lower at 37,590.39 points; South Korea's KOSPI opens 0.70% higher at 2,790.33 points.

Japan's Nikkei 225 opens 0.42% lower at 37,590.39 points; South Korea's KOSPI opens 0.70% higher at 2,790.33 points.

The Nikkei 225 index opened 0.42% lower at 37,590.39 points on June 5, 2025, following a significant month-long rally. The index, which reached its highest point since February 2024, has been volatile, experiencing substantial gains and losses over the past few weeks. Despite a recent uptick, it remains 10.09% below its record close of 42,224.02 points hit on July 11, 2024 [1].

South Korea's KOSPI index opened 0.70% higher at 2,790.33 points, buoyed by the inauguration of new President Lee Jae-myung. His victory in the June 3 election has sparked optimism among investors, as he has pledged to revive the sagging economy. The KOSPI's gains were led by semiconductor and financial stocks, with memory-chip maker SK Hynix and retail-banking giant KB Financial leading the rally [3].

Analysts expect the new administration to focus on stimulating growth and restoring business and consumer confidence. The South Korean won is also expected to see "better days ahead," with the dollar weakening to 1,369.50 won [3].

References:

[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202505302994/nikkei-225-index-rises-533-this-month-to-3796510-data-talk
[3] https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202506041416/south-korean-stocks-rally-as-new-president-pledges-economic-revival