Asian Stock Markets Rebound on Weak US Data and Lower Oil Prices; KOSPI Surges Nearly 6%

Asian stock markets rebounded sharply on Friday, driven by a combination of weaker-than-expected US economic data and a decline in oil prices amid easing geopolitical concerns. Investors reassessed their expectations for a hawkish Federal Reserve, leading to a surge in demand for risk-sensitive assets.

South Korea's KOSPI index led the gains, surging almost 6% in what was the strongest move among major Asian benchmarks. The broader rally reflects a shift in sentiment as traders bet that the Fed may adopt a less aggressive tightening stance in light of softening economic indicators.

Lower oil prices, attributed to a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions, further boosted the appeal of equities. The coordinated moves underscore the market's sensitivity to macro data and commodity price swings in the current environment.