Asian markets slip, Kospi rallies 2% on chip gains
Asian markets traded mostly lower on Tuesday, with South Korean stocks standing out after returning to trading following a public holiday.
August 18, 2026 (MLN): Asian markets traded mostly lower on Tuesday, with South Korean stocks standing out after returning to trading following a public holiday. South Korea’s Kospi surged around 2%, supported by strong performances from major chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which gained about 3% and 5%, respectively, according to CNBC. Japan’s Nikkei 225 declined 0.9%, while the broader Topix fell 0.28...