PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF(KDEF.US)

GLOBAL MARKETS-Asia stocks rise after Bank of Japan keeps rates on hold

Asian stocks rose following the Bank of Japan's decision to keep interest rates unchanged, with the MSCI Asia-Pacific index up 0.5% and the Nikkei 225 climbing 0.3%. The U.S. dollar weakened, impacting gold and silver prices, which reached new highs. South Korean stocks led gains, with the KOSPI index surpassing 5,000. Meanwhile, Brent crude futures increased by 0.9% amid easing geopolitical concerns. The market remains cautious with high policy uncertainty ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve's upcoming meeting.