Asian markets end mixed on Thursday

Asian markets ended mixed on Thursday as US consumer inflation data suggested a cooling trend and reduced the likelihood of a Federal Reserve rate hike, while investors remained cautious ahead of the release of US producer price index later today and readings on retail sales and consumer sentiment due on Friday. Besides, traders kept close eye on crude oil price movements and developments in the Iran conflict after talks between Washington and Tehran to end the war hit an impasse. South Korea’s Kospi surged as major chipmakers rallied following an overnight rise in US technology stocks, while the South Korean government also plans to ease regulations for semiconductor and AI megaprojects that expected to generate 4.2 trillion South Korean won in investment.