South Korea's Kospi Hits Fresh High Amid Trump's Tariff Uncertainty

Asian Markets Rise Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Asian markets rose on Monday, February 23, 2026, despite uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff moves. The South Korean Kospi index hit a fresh high, while the Hang Seng Index and Nifty 50 also saw gains.

According to CNBC ^[3], the Kospi index rose 1.2% to a record high, driven by gains in technology and finance stocks. The Hang Seng Index and Nifty 50 also saw gains, with the former rising 0.8% and the latter rising 0.5%.

The rise in Asian markets comes despite Trump's announcement over the weekend that he would increase global tariffs to 15%. The move has raised uncertainty among investors and has led to a decline in U.S. stock futures.

Market Reaction

The market reaction to Trump's tariff announcement has been mixed. While some investors have expressed concerns about the impact of the tariffs on the global economy, others have seen the move as a positive for Asian markets.

According to CNBC ^[3], some analysts believe that the tariffs could lead to a shift in trade flows, with Asian countries benefiting from the increased demand for their goods.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise in Asian markets on Monday, February 23, 2026, despite Trump's tariff uncertainty, is a positive sign for the region's economy. The Kospi index's fresh high and the gains in the Hang Seng Index and Nifty 50 are a testament to the resilience of Asian markets.

Sources

[1] Indonesia budget deficit at 0.21% of GDP in January, Finance Minister says
[2] Trump unveils ‘Tech Corps’ to promote American AI abroad
[3] South Korea's Kospi hits fresh high as Asian markets brush off Trump's latest tariff moves