South Korean shipbuilding stocks defied the broader market decline on Thursday, thanks to a congratulatory call from President Yoon Suk Yeol to Donald Trump.
Hanwha Ocean Co. saw its shares surge by as much as 15%, the biggest increase since April 18. Similarly, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. experienced a significant jump of up to 16%, while Samsung Heavy Industries Co. climbed 8.4%. These companies emerged as the top gainers on the MSCI Asia Pacific Index, which had faced losses for two consecutive days.
The positive sentiment in the shipbuilding sector reflects optimism for improved cooperation between South Korea and the United States.