Group 1 - The Asia-Pacific stock markets showed positive performance on August 18, with Japan and Australia reaching historical highs, influenced by easing geopolitical tensions and favorable economic conditions [1][2] - The Nikkei 225 index rose by 0.77% or 336 points, closing at 43,714.31 points, while the S&P/ASX200 index increased by 0.23%, closing at 8,959.3 points [1][2] - The KOSPI index in South Korea, however, fell by 1.5%, closing at 3,177.28 points, indicating mixed performance across the region [1] Group 2 - The rise in Japanese stocks is attributed to renewed optimism regarding domestic corporate prospects, driven by clearer U.S. tariff policies and external factors such as a weaker yen benefiting export-oriented companies [2][3] - Foreign investment in Japanese stocks has been strong, with net purchases reaching 489.3 billion yen, marking the 18th net buying in the past 19 weeks [3] - The automotive sector in Japan saw significant gains, with Toyota and Honda's stock prices rising by 1.72% and 1.56%, respectively, due to favorable currency exchange rates [2][3] Group 3 - The Australian stock market's rise is explained by a balance of valuation and earnings, with financial sectors benefiting from stable shareholder returns and improved credit demand amid expectations of interest rate cuts [4] - Key sectors driving the Australian market include telecommunications, IT, and financial services, which are favored by investors seeking stable cash flows and high dividends [4] Group 4 - Future trends in the Asia-Pacific stock markets will be influenced by several factors, including guidance from the U.S. Federal Reserve, commodity prices, currency fluctuations, and corporate earnings reports [5]

Group 1 - The Asia-Pacific stock markets are performing well, with Japan and Australia reaching historical highs due to favorable factors such as easing international geopolitical tensions [1][2] - The Nikkei 225 index rose by 0.77% or 336 points, closing at 43714.31 points, while the S&P/ASX200 index increased by 0.23%, closing at 8959.3 points [1][2] - The KOSPI index in South Korea fell by 1.5%, closing at 3177.28 points, indicating mixed performance across the region [1] Group 2 - The rise in risk appetite in the Asia-Pacific markets is attributed to three main factors: easing oil supply risks from Russia, investor bets on a dovish path from the Federal Reserve ahead of the Jackson Hole meeting, and strong regional market momentum [2] - Japan's stock market has seen renewed optimism due to clearer U.S. tariff policies, which have positively influenced the outlook for domestic companies [2] - The Japanese stock market's performance is driven by external profits from a weaker yen and improved corporate governance, attracting sustained foreign investment [2][3] Group 3 - The depreciation of the yen has boosted the stock prices of export-oriented companies, particularly in the automotive sector, with Toyota and Honda shares rising by 1.72% and 1.56% respectively [3] - Foreign investment in Japanese stocks has been strong, with net purchases reaching 489.3 billion yen, marking the 18th net buying in the past 19 weeks [3] Group 4 - The Australian stock market's rise is driven by a balance of valuation and profit recovery, with financial sectors benefiting from stable shareholder returns amid expectations of interest rate cuts [4] - Key sectors contributing to the Australian market's performance include telecommunications, IT, and financial services, which are favored during periods of rising valuations [4] Group 5 - Future trends in the Asia-Pacific stock markets will be influenced by several factors, including guidance from the Federal Reserve, oil and metal prices, currency fluctuations, and corporate earnings reports [5]