Markets across Asia-Pacific opened cautiously on Friday, with investors awaiting key U.S. economic indicators due later in the day. The tone was steady to slightly positive, reflecting optimism over easing energy prices but tempered by concerns about global monetary policy.
Asia shows resilience
Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened marginally higher, supported by gains in technology and export-linked stocks as the yen held relatively stable. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index saw subdued movement, with property developers and financials weighing on sentiment, while mainland Chinese equities traded flat amid ongoing concerns about sluggish domestic demand.
Australia opens firm
The S&P/ASX 200 in Sydney started the session with modest gains, led by mining and energy stocks as commodity prices stabilised. Investors are closely monitoring signals from the Reserve Bank of Australia, with expectations that the central bank will hold rates steady in its next meeting. Market activity remained light ahead of the U.S. inflation report, which could set the tone for global equities.
Indian equities mixed
In Mumbai, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty opened mixed, with information technology firms advancing while banking and auto stocks lagged. Investor sentiment was shaped by domestic economic data showing stable growth but rising inflationary pressures. Foreign institutional inflows continued to provide some support, although caution persisted ahead of global central bank updates.
Global outlook
With U.S. personal consumption expenditure (PCE) inflation data expected later today, traders across the region are holding back from major moves. Analysts suggest that a softer-than-expected reading could boost Asian and emerging market equities, while a strong print might reinforce expectations of prolonged high U.S. interest rates.
Newshub Editorial in Asia-Pacific – 26 September 2025
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