-- South Korean shares opened sharply higher on Wednesday on hopes of renewed Washington-Tehran talks after initial negotiations failed in Islamabad last week. Investor optimism picked up after US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said fresh peace talks could take place over the "next two days."
The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index, or Kospi, rose 173.85 points or 2.91% to open at 6,141.60. The Kosdaq also increased 18.74 points or 1.67% to start trading at 1,140.62.
In addition, Israel and Lebanon resumed direct discussions for the first time in over three decades on Tuesday in Washington. The exchange was said to be positive, although key differences are yet to be resolved.
Lebanon's Ambassador to the US, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, said details of the next talks will be shared in due course. Moawad described the first meeting as constructive and highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis from the ongoing conflict.