Asian markets opened firmly higher on Thursday, buoyed by a renewed surge in technology stocks and strengthened global risk sentiment following strong overnight signals from the United States. The early session displayed clear momentum across the region, although underlying divergences between major economies remained visible.
Tech sector delivers early strength
Technology shares were the main catalyst for the region’s opening rally. A strong rebound in global semiconductor sentiment, led by better-than-expected performance from major US chipmakers, helped lift markets in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose sharply at the open, supported by heavy inflows into electronics and robotics manufacturers. South Korea’s KOSPI also advanced, driven by gains in the semiconductor and battery sectors, with investors positioning themselves for potential upward revisions to earnings guidance. Taiwan’s tech-heavy equities benefited from the same trend, maintaining the region’s broader upward trajectory.
China shows a more restrained start
While North-East Asian markets performed strongly, Chinese markets opened with a more muted tone. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong registered modest gains, while the Shanghai Composite hovered near the flat line.
Investors in China continued to weigh weaker-than-expected economic indicators, persistent caution around domestic consumption, and ongoing policy uncertainty. Although targeted support measures have recently been introduced, markets have yet to see a decisive shift in confidence. As a result, Chinese equities once again lagged their regional peers during the opening session.
India and Australia benefit from global cues
India’s benchmark indices opened in the green, supported by renewed foreign capital inflows and improved appetite for financials and consumer-sector stocks. Investor optimism strengthened following the global tech rebound, amplifying the positive sentiment.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 also gained at the open. Mining shares advanced as commodity prices firmed slightly overnight, while technology names mirrored the region’s broader movements. Market participants remained attentive to the trajectory of global interest rates and the Australian dollar’s performance, both of which continue to influence investor positioning.
Broader market drivers and risks
Thursday’s regional uplift was shaped by three overarching factors: stronger technology earnings, improving external sentiment, and short-term risk-on positioning. Investors interpreted recent corporate results as a sign that global demand for advanced chips and AI-related infrastructure remains robust, underpinning confidence in the sector.
At the same time, concerns persisted over rising US Treasury yields, a firm dollar and uncertainty around the pace of forthcoming central-bank policy decisions. Markets across Asia remain sensitive to any shift in expectations regarding interest-rate cuts in major economies. A sharper-than-expected tightening in global financial conditions could quickly challenge the region’s current momentum.
Outlook for the trading day
The early session’s strength sets a constructive tone, but sustainability will depend on developments in China, intraday movements in commodity markets, and investor reaction to upcoming US economic data.
If technology stocks continue to outperform, Asian markets may extend their gains into the afternoon. However, the divergence between the region’s strongest and weakest performers highlights the importance of local conditions, policy credibility and sector-specific fundamentals.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 20 November 2025
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