Asian equities opened mixed on Thursday as investors balanced softer US economic signals with a series of regional data releases that shaped early sentiment. While Japan’s markets extended their recent gains, several major indices in China and South Korea opened cautiously, reflecting ongoing concerns around global demand and shifting expectations on interest rates.
Japan edges higher
Tokyo’s markets opened in positive territory, supported by steady earnings guidance and a weaker yen that continued to offer tailwinds for Japan’s exporters. The Nikkei 225 saw early gains as investors responded to overnight movements on Wall Street, where technology shares staged a modest recovery. Market participants remained attentive to upcoming inflation readings from Japan, which could influence expectations around the Bank of Japan’s next policy steps.
China opens cautiously
Chinese equities opened softer as traders digested new manufacturing and services data that pointed to ongoing fragility in domestic demand. The Shanghai Composite and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong both began the session lower amid caution surrounding property-sector developments and muted consumer sentiment. Investors continued to look for clearer signals on stimulus measures, with expectations tempered by concerns about the broader global economic backdrop.
South Korea and Southeast Asia show divergence
South Korea’s Kospi also opened marginally lower, pressured by mixed earnings updates from the semiconductor sector. In contrast, several Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore and Indonesia, showed modest early gains as investors positioned themselves ahead of a wave of end-of-year portfolio adjustments. Currency movements remained a key focus, with regional central banks monitoring dollar volatility after this week’s comments from US Federal Reserve officials.
Broader market sentiment
Across the region, the tone was shaped by expectations of slower global growth and shifting risk appetite. Investors continued to follow US economic indicators closely, particularly labour market data and bond-yield movements, which have influenced sentiment in Asian trading sessions throughout the week. With geopolitical risks still present and commodity prices fluctuating, broader market direction remained uncertain as Thursday’s session developed.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 4 December 2025
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