Asian Markets Rally on Trump-Led Ceasefire Hopes; KOSPI, Hang Seng Surge

Asian stock markets surged on Tuesday, led by South Korea's KOSPI and Hong Kong's Hang Seng, as investor sentiment improved sharply following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a tentative ceasefire between Israel and Iran.

Trump stated that a multi-stage ceasefire—beginning with a 12-hour pause by Iran—would be initiated within hours, followed by Israel's participation. A formal end to hostilities was promised within 24 hours, boosting global risk appetite. However, Iran's foreign ministry has not officially confirmed a truce, injecting some uncertainty into the market rally.

Key Market Moves:

• KOSPI jumped 2.5%, with Samsung Electronics (KS:005930) gaining 3.5%

• Hang Seng Index rose 1.8%, rebounding from prior losses

• U.S. futures also traded higher in Asian hours, reinforcing the uptrend

Corporate Highlight:

• Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) and Hancock Prospecting announced a $1.6 billion joint investment to expand an iron ore project in Western Australia, signaling strong long-term demand from Asia.

Investor Focus:

• The potential ceasefire eased geopolitical tensions that had rattled markets following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and Iran's missile retaliation targeting a U.S. base in Qatar.

• Traders are watching for official statements from Israel and Iran, which could cement or reverse Tuesday's rally.

Track Market Momentum:

For deeper insight into sector trends and stock performance across Asia, consider:

• Sector Historical (Market Overview): Review how Asian sectors performed over time in response to geopolitical shifts.

• Market Biggest Gainers: Monitor top-performing stocks across global markets during risk-on periods.