Asian markets opened without a clear direction on Tuesday as investors weighed a sharp rise in the Japanese yen, stronger oil prices and mixed regional economic data. South Korean shares advanced, while Hong Kong and Australia came under pressure and Japanese equities moved between gains and losses.
Tokyo struggles for direction
Japan’s Nikkei 225 initially fluctuated before edging around 0.2 per cent higher during morning trading. The more significant move came in currencies, where the yen strengthened as much as 0.6 per cent against the US dollar, reaching 153.51 — its strongest level since February.
The currency move followed stronger Japanese economic indicators that reinforced expectations that the Bank of Japan may have further scope to tighten monetary policy. Revised figures showed the Japanese economy grew 0.4 per cent in the second quarter, while real wages recorded their strongest annual increase in several years.
South Korea leads regional gains
South Korea was one of the stronger markets, with the Kospi rising around 1.2 per cent in early trading. The advance followed Monday’s powerful technology-led rally and continued investor interest in semiconductor and artificial-intelligence-related companies.
Across the wider region, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was around 0.2 per cent higher during the morning session.
Hong Kong opens lower
Hong Kong moved in the opposite direction. The Hang Seng Index opened 0.6 per cent lower at 25,252, with technology and automotive shares among the early losers.
Alibaba, Tencent, Meituan and JD.com all opened lower, while several automotive-related stocks also declined.
Mainland Chinese markets were comparatively stable. The Shanghai Composite opened 0.07 per cent higher at 3,935.55, while the Shenzhen Component gained 0.06 per cent.
Australia’s market also weakened, with shares falling as consumer sentiment deteriorated.
Oil and geopolitical risk remain central
Investors remain focused on developments in the Persian Gulf, where renewed tensions involving Iran have kept energy markets unsettled. Brent crude remained above $97 a barrel after reaching a six-week high on Monday.
Higher energy prices are increasing concerns about renewed inflationary pressure at a time when global investors are already reassessing the outlook for interest rates.
Tuesday’s Asian opening therefore presents a divided picture: technology optimism remains supportive in parts of the region, but oil, currency movements and geopolitical uncertainty are limiting broader risk appetite.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 8 September 2026
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