Asia Stocks Rise as South Korea Hits Records While China’s Economy Shows Strain

Asian markets present a divided landscape. South Korea's Kospi index reaches unprecedented heights, fueled by tech giants and policy shifts. Meanwhile, China's economic engine sputters—factory output and retail sales undershoot projections, casting doubt on Beijing's 5% growth target.

Industrial production expanded just 5.2% in August, decelerating from July's 5.7%. Retail sales grew a meager 3.4%, missing forecasts by half a percentage point. The property sector remains an anchor, with real estate investment plunging 12.9% year-to-date.

Investors navigate crosscurrents: bullish momentum in regional equities against China's slowdown. Global macro factors—from Fed policy to trade negotiations—add layers of complexity to risk assessments across Asian trading floors.