Asian markets opened higher on Monday, buoyed by gains in technology stocks and upbeat sentiment from Wall Street’s Friday close. Traders appeared optimistic ahead of key economic data due later in the week, while regional currencies held steady against the dollar, offering a stable backdrop for equity movements.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 rose over 1% in early trade, driven by strength in semiconductor shares following Nvidia’s record-breaking results last week. South Korea’s Kospi followed suit with similar gains, led by SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. The Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong also edged up, reflecting cautious optimism despite ongoing property sector concerns in China.
Chinese mainland markets, however, opened flat, with investors awaiting signals from upcoming manufacturing and services PMIs due Friday. Analysts suggest that while stimulus expectations remain, market sentiment will hinge on Beijing’s clarity around property sector stabilisation and credit conditions.
With the London Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India both closed on Monday for the Spring Bank Holiday and Buddha Purnima respectively, attention now turns to how these markets will respond when they reopen Tuesday. Analysts expect a measured start, especially in London, where inflation data and Bank of England commentary later this week could shape investor positioning.
In India, where the NSE was shut following strong recent gains in large-cap stocks, markets are expected to open slightly higher on Tuesday, reflecting broader global cues and foreign fund inflows. The spotlight remains on election-related developments and upcoming GDP figures for Q1, due by Friday, which could influence sentiment through the week.
European markets are set for a cautious open, with futures pointing to modest gains. The DAX and CAC 40 are expected to follow Asia’s lead, though volumes may remain thin with UK traders returning from the long weekend. Broader concerns about ECB policy direction and the eurozone inflation report on Friday could add volatility in the days ahead.
Investors globally are treading carefully, balancing AI-driven optimism in tech with macroeconomic caution. With US markets closed next for Memorial Day, reduced liquidity may limit moves in the first half of the week, giving European bourses a chance to quietly recalibrate.
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