Asia-Pacific Markets Mostly Higher Amid Positive Economic Data

Asia-Pacific markets experienced mostly positive trading on Thursday, buoyed by a series of encouraging economic reports from across the region. South Korea's GDP marked a return to growth in the second quarter of 2025, expanding by 0.6% on a quarterly basis. Meanwhile, Australia's service sector saw an uptick in activity during July, and Japan's private sector also reported modest growth for the same period.

Trade Talks Postponed and Global Trade Developments

In other news, South Korea announced the postponement of trade talks with the United States, originally scheduled for Friday, citing a scheduling conflict. This development comes as US President Donald Trump highlighted ongoing negotiations for trade agreements with China and the EU, remarking on the numerous deals currently in progress.

Market Performances Across the Region

At 4:11 am CET, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 remained flat, while South Korea's Kospi Composite gained 0.85% shortly after. Hong Kong's Hang Seng added 0.20%, with the Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Composite on the Chinese mainland increasing by 0.25% and 0.55%, respectively. Notably, Japan's Nikkei 225 surged by 1.96%, continuing its upward trajectory following yesterday's announcement of a trade deal with the US.

The dollar saw a slight decline against the yen, trading 0.32% lower at ¥146.0240 by 4:17 am CET.