South Korea’s Kospi Hits Record High as Asian Markets Ignore Tariff Concerns

Asia-Pacific markets traded higher on Monday even after US President Donald Trump announced plans to increase global tariffs to 15% from 10%.

The move followed a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down a large part of Trump’s earlier trade measures introduced under emergency economic powers.

Despite the uncertainty, South Korea’s Kospi index rose 1.7%, hitting a fresh record high. Major technology stocks including SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics gained more than 3% and 2% respectively. The smaller Kosdaq index also moved higher.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 edged up slightly in early trade. Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index indicated gains. Markets in China and Japan were closed due to a holiday.

Oil prices fell later in the session. Brent crude dropped around 0.6%, while US West Texas Intermediate declined about 0.8%.

Analysts said that while the Supreme Court ruling limits some of Trump’s previous tariff powers, it does not end the broader trade strategy. Investors appear to be focusing on market momentum rather than policy uncertainty.

On Friday, US stocks ended higher after the court decision. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average all posted gains.

Markets will continue to watch trade developments and global economic data in the coming days.