Asian markets today: Kospi up 1%, Nikkei rises 2% to hit new record high of 71,000 (opens original article in a new tab)

Asian markets saw gains with Japan's Nikkei 225 hitting a record high and South Korea's Kospi rising 1%, while US markets closed lower amid concerns over potential interest rate hikes.

• Japan's Nikkei 225 surged 2% to reach a new record high of 71,000
• South Korea's Kospi gained 1% with SK Hynix rising 3.45%
• Asian markets rose as US stock futures and oil prices declined
• US markets closed lower on Wednesday with S&P 500 and Nasdaq each falling over 1%