Asia’s biggest equity markets opened Friday on a mixed footing, with cautious gains in some centres offset by early declines elsewhere as investors weighed global rate expectations, currency movements, and regional economic signals.
Japan: Tokyo edges higher on exporters
Tokyo stocks opened modestly higher, supported by exporters as the yen remained relatively weak against the US dollar. Automakers and technology-linked manufacturers attracted early buying, while domestic demand stocks traded more narrowly. Investors remained cautious ahead of upcoming macro data and continued to assess the outlook for global trade into the new year.
China: Mainland markets subdued
Mainland Chinese markets opened slightly lower, reflecting ongoing concerns around domestic growth momentum and the property sector. Financials and real estate names were under mild pressure, while selective support emerged in consumer and technology shares. Policy expectations remain a key driver, with investors looking for clearer signals on fiscal and monetary support.
Hong Kong: Early losses led by tech
Hong Kong equities opened weaker, led by declines in large technology and internet stocks. Sentiment was shaped by global risk-off positioning and cautious foreign flows. Traders remained selective, focusing on balance-sheet strength and earnings visibility amid persistent uncertainty around regional growth.
South Korea: Seoul opens marginally higher
South Korean shares began the session slightly firmer, with gains in semiconductors and industrial exporters providing support. The market tracked overnight moves in global tech stocks, while investors continued to monitor demand signals from key export markets. Currency stability also helped underpin early sentiment.
India: Mumbai starts steady
Indian equities opened broadly flat, with mixed sectoral performance. Financials and infrastructure stocks showed early resilience, while consumer names traded softer. Investors remained focused on domestic growth fundamentals and upcoming corporate earnings, with foreign inflows providing a stabilising backdrop despite global volatility.
Regional outlook
Overall, the region’s opening tone reflected cautious optimism rather than conviction. With global interest-rate expectations still evolving and geopolitical risks unresolved, Asian investors appeared inclined to limit risk while selectively positioning for opportunities tied to exports, technology, and domestic demand. Volatility is expected to remain elevated as markets digest new data and policy signals in the days ahead.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 2 January 2026
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