Asian stock markets began Tuesday, 29 September, mostly lower as rising oil prices and higher government bond yields weighed on investor confidence. Japan and South Korea slipped in early trading, while mainland Chinese shares found support from Beijing’s latest commitment to strengthen economic policy measures.
The cautious start followed overnight losses on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 declined 0.8% and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.9%. Investors continued to assess the pressure that persistent inflation and elevated interest rates could place on corporate earnings.
Japan and South Korea retreat
Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell approximately 0.4% in early trading, while the broader Topix declined 1.1%. South Korea’s Kospi slipped around 0.5%, with the technology-focused Kosdaq also trading lower.
Foreign selling remained a drag in Seoul. By 11:15 a.m. local time, the Kospi was down 0.44% at 6,859.59, despite gains in Samsung Electronics and other semiconductor shares. Overseas investors had sold more than 1 trillion won of equities during the morning.
Australia initially moved against the regional trend, with the S&P/ASX 200 opening around 0.2% higher.
China finds selective support
Mainland Chinese markets showed greater resilience as investors responded to promises of additional economic support. By the midday break, the Shanghai Composite had gained 0.1%, while the blue-chip CSI 300 was broadly unchanged.
Property developers led the advance, with Vanke rising nearly 8% following government pledges to stabilise the housing market. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.6%, however, underlining the uneven response across Chinese markets. Trading remained subdued ahead of the mainland’s National Day holiday.
India opens weaker
India also began the session lower. The Sensex initially fell 0.31%, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.28%. Selling subsequently intensified, taking their losses to approximately 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively, during early trading. Banking and other major shares contributed to the weakness.
Oil and yields remain in focus
Brent crude traded around $106.60 a barrel as the absence of a breakthrough in the Middle East sustained concerns over energy supplies.
Meanwhile, the US ten-year Treasury yield had climbed above 5.27% overnight, its highest level in 19 years. Together, expensive energy and rising borrowing costs presented a difficult backdrop for Asian equities, leaving investors cautious despite pockets of buying.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 29 September 2026
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