Asian markets opened Thursday with a broadly positive tone, supported by renewed risk appetite and expectations of softer US inflation indicators due later in the day. Trading sentiment improved across major indices, although gains remained measured as investors assessed the latest signals from Beijing, Tokyo, and Seoul while awaiting further clarity on global rate paths. The session began with modest strengthening in regional currencies and selective buying in technology, consumer, and export-linked shares.
Japan edges higher on stronger corporate outlook
Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened with slight gains as industrial and technology stocks continued to benefit from a more optimistic earnings outlook. Exporters also saw early support from a stable yen, helped by expectations that the Bank of Japan will maintain its cautious approach to policy normalisation. Investors remained attentive to domestic wage growth data due later this week, a key component of the central bank’s long-term strategy for managing inflation.
China sees restrained but steady trading
Mainland Chinese markets opened mixed but stable, with the Shanghai Composite showing a mild uptick. Investor attention remained fixed on the latest developments in Beijing’s economic support measures, including incremental stimulus targeted at consumer demand and manufacturing capacity. While confidence has improved from earlier in the year, traders continued to look for more definitive signals that policy efforts will translate into sustained recovery.
Hong Kong gains as liquidity trends stabilise
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index opened higher, led by technology and property sectors. The improvement came after several sessions of uneven performance, with investors encouraged by signs of stabilising liquidity conditions and cautious optimism around corporate earnings revisions. Market participants were, however, mindful of geopolitical pressures that have shaped capital flows in recent months.
South Korea lifts on semiconductor strength
Seoul’s Kospi opened firmly in positive territory, driven by renewed interest in major semiconductor exporters. The sector’s moves reflected improved global supply-chain data and rising expectations for stronger demand from AI-driven hardware producers. Broader sentiment was further supported by foreign investor inflows, which have been gradually recovering as global funds reposition across emerging Asia.
Australia tracks commodities while awaiting US cues
The ASX 200 began the session slightly higher, with miners and energy companies benefiting from firmer commodity prices. The Australian dollar strengthened marginally, supported by improving risk sentiment and expectations of stable domestic monetary policy. Investors awaited the upcoming US data release, which is likely to guide short-term movements in global yields and risk assets.
Regional sentiment anchored in global expectations
Across the continent, Thursday’s opening reflected a cautiously constructive mood. While markets appeared steadier than earlier in the week, traders recognised that the direction of global inflation and central bank communication will remain decisive in shaping upcoming sessions. For now, Asia continues to balance domestic policy signals with the wider implications of the US economic outlook.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 27 November 2025
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