Asian markets opened broadly lower on Thursday, with investors reacting cautiously to fresh US inflation indicators, mixed corporate earnings across the region and persistent geopolitical tensions that continue to influence global risk sentiment.
Soft risk appetite dominates early trading
Equity indices across Asia began the session under pressure, reflecting investors’ reluctance to increase exposure ahead of key US economic data later in the day. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped as technology and consumer stocks retreated, mirroring overnight weakness on Wall Street. In South Korea, the Kospi also edged lower, with semiconductor shares giving back gains accumulated earlier in the week.
China struggles for momentum
Mainland Chinese markets opened on the back foot as concerns over domestic consumption and fragile investor confidence persisted. The Shanghai Composite dipped in early trade, weighed down by property-linked equities and financials. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng fell at the open, with technology and internet-platform companies facing renewed selling pressure amid worries that regulatory tightening could re-emerge.
Mixed moves in South and Southeast Asia
In India, the Sensex opened slightly lower after a strong run earlier in the week, with traders locking in profits while awaiting fresh macroeconomic indicators. The broader Nifty 50 mirrored the cautious tone. Southeast Asian markets also reflected a defensive mood: Singapore’s Straits Times Index weakened modestly, while Indonesia’s benchmark saw mild declines amid subdued commodity sentiment.
Currency and commodity implications
Regional currencies traded narrowly against the US dollar in the early session, with investors positioning ahead of US inflation readings that could steer expectations for future Federal Reserve decisions. Oil prices held steady after recent volatility, offering little support to energy-heavy markets, while gold prices hovered near weekly highs as risk-averse sentiment provided a slight lift to safe-haven assets.
Outlook for the trading day
With global markets awaiting clearer signals from upcoming US data releases, Asian equities are likely to remain choppy throughout the session. Analysts expect trading volumes to stay subdued as investors gauge whether recent signs of cooling inflation in major economies can sustain expectations of looser monetary policy heading into year-end.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 2025-11-13
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