Asian markets opened on a cautious note on Wednesday, with investors balancing optimism over upcoming US tech earnings against concerns about slowing regional growth and muted demand from China. Most major indices traded within narrow ranges, reflecting a wait-and-see mood ahead of key macroeconomic data and corporate results later this week.
Tokyo and Seoul edge higher
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.4% in early trade, led by gains in the technology and automotive sectors. Investors responded positively to a weaker yen, which boosted export-oriented shares including Toyota and Sony. South Korea’s Kospi added 0.3%, driven by renewed interest in chipmakers such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, as optimism grows for a rebound in global semiconductor demand.
However, analysts warned that the broader sentiment remains fragile. The Bank of Japan’s next policy meeting looms large, with speculation mounting over potential adjustments to its yield-curve control framework amid persistent inflationary pressures.
China and Hong Kong remain subdued
Mainland Chinese markets opened flat, with the Shanghai Composite hovering around the 3,000-point mark. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.2% as property developers and financials came under renewed pressure. Traders said that the latest signals from Beijing — hinting at targeted fiscal stimulus and credit easing — offered limited short-term relief, with investors seeking concrete measures to restore confidence.
The Chinese yuan steadied near its weakest level in several months, reflecting continued capital outflows and a cautious approach by the People’s Bank of China to avoid aggressive intervention.
Southeast Asia mixed amid cautious sentiment
In Southeast Asia, Singapore’s Straits Times Index edged up 0.2%, supported by gains in banks and transport companies. Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite rose 0.3%, while Thailand’s SET Index remained flat amid political uncertainty and weaker manufacturing data. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped 0.4%, dragged by declines in property and utilities shares.
Regional traders said that liquidity remained light as investors tracked developments in the Middle East and awaited US GDP figures and earnings reports from major global banks later this week.
Currencies and commodities steady
The Japanese yen traded at 149.8 per US dollar, the Korean won firmed slightly, and the Australian dollar held around US$0.66. Oil prices stabilised near US$83 per barrel after two days of declines, while gold hovered at US$2,365 an ounce as markets looked for direction ahead of US data.
Overall, the Asian session reflected a market in pause mode — steady, cautious, and alert to the next cue from global central banks and corporate earnings.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 22 October 2025
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