Asian stock markets opened mostly higher on Friday, 4 September, supported by a strong technology-led session on Wall Street and easing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this month. Investors nevertheless remained cautious ahead of crucial US employment data later in the day.
Tokyo advances as technology stocks gain
Japan’s Nikkei 225 opened 0.44% higher at 64,498 and strengthened further during morning trading. Technology and financial shares helped drive the advance, with SoftBank Group among the strongest performers. A strengthening yen remained an important factor for Japanese exporters, with the currency trading around 155.7 against the dollar.
Hong Kong leads regional gains
Hong Kong delivered one of the strongest openings in the region. The Hang Seng Index opened 1.2% higher at 25,515 before extending its advance. Technology shares performed particularly strongly, reflecting renewed investor appetite following Thursday’s rally in US technology stocks.
China and South Korea move higher
Mainland Chinese equities also opened positively. The Shanghai Composite gained 0.34% to 3,955.55, while the Shenzhen Component advanced 0.74%. In Seoul, the Kospi opened 1.14% higher at 6,654.36, with heavyweight semiconductor companies contributing to the rise.
Australia remains comparatively subdued
Australia was the exception to the broader positive direction. The S&P/ASX 200 was broadly flat in early trading, slipping by less than 0.1%, despite gains elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region.
US data takes centre stage
The improving sentiment follows comments from Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller indicating that he could favour keeping interest rates unchanged if inflation continues to moderate. Markets have consequently reduced expectations of an imminent US rate increase.
Attention now turns to Friday’s US employment report. With interest-rate expectations, bond yields, the dollar and equity valuations closely interconnected, the figures could determine whether Asia’s positive end to the trading week develops into a broader global rally.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 4 September 2026
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