Asian equities opened on a mixed note on Wednesday as investors digested early US election results, shifting currency movements, and renewed speculation over Beijing’s next round of economic stimulus. Regional sentiment was steady but cautious, with traders balancing political uncertainty in the United States against improving manufacturing data in Asia.
Tokyo and Seoul gain on strong corporate outlooks
Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened higher, buoyed by robust earnings from major exporters and a weaker yen, which helped lift automakers and technology shares. South Korea’s Kospi also advanced, supported by semiconductor stocks following overnight gains in US tech shares. Analysts said improved third-quarter results from chipmakers have boosted optimism about a recovery in global demand.
China and Hong Kong lag amid cautious sentiment
In contrast, China’s Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged lower as investors awaited signals from Beijing on further support for the property sector and local governments. Recent liquidity injections by the People’s Bank of China have stabilised interbank rates, but confidence remains fragile amid concerns over debt levels and slow consumer spending.
Southeast Asia sees mixed trading
Markets in Singapore and Jakarta were broadly flat, while Thailand’s SET Index slipped slightly on renewed political tensions. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained modestly, helped by foreign inflows into financials and consumer firms. Currency traders kept a close watch on the US dollar, which steadied after earlier declines, while the Japanese yen hovered near a two-week low.
Global focus turns to US policy and inflation data
Investors are now looking ahead to upcoming US inflation figures and Federal Reserve commentary later in the week for clues on the direction of global interest rates. Analysts say market volatility could remain elevated as political outcomes in the United States continue to unfold.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 5 November 2025
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