Markets across Asia and Australia opened positively on Friday, with investor sentiment lifted by Wall Street’s gains overnight and growing expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve may soon ease monetary policy. Regional indices showed strength across Japan, China, India and Australia, though South Korea’s Kospi remained flat.
Japan leads with economic tailwinds
Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed around 0.8% in early trading, supported by encouraging economic data. Labour cash earnings rose 4.1% year-on-year in July, while household spending gained 1.4%. The Topix index also moved higher, signalling broad participation across sectors. The gains highlight renewed confidence in domestic demand and export resilience.
China and South Korea mixed
In China, the Hang Seng advanced about 0.5%, while the Shanghai Composite was up 0.4%. Technology and consumer shares helped lead the rally, though sentiment remains cautious amid property sector challenges. South Korea’s Kospi was nearly unchanged, edging only 0.03% higher, with large-cap exporters holding back stronger momentum. The Kosdaq, however, added 0.55%, supported by mid-cap technology stocks.
India records solid gains
Indian equities opened firmly, with the Nifty 50 rising to 24,820 points, a gain of roughly 0.34%. The Sensex crossed the 81,000 mark, up about 0.36%. Market confidence was underpinned by tax cuts on goods and services, as well as optimism that softer U.S. economic data could prompt rate cuts from the Federal Reserve. Banking and auto stocks led the move higher.
Australia’s ASX 200 pushes higher
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX 200) gained between 0.3% and 0.5% in early trade, moving above 8,850 points. Financials provided support, with NAB advancing 0.9% and Westpac and ANZ up around 0.5% each. Technology names such as Life360, Zip and NextDC surged over 3%, while airlines and property stocks also added strength.
Outlook for the day
The broad-based gains across Asia and Australia suggest a confident start to Friday’s global trading session. With European markets set to open later, attention will turn to upcoming U.S. jobs data, which could shape expectations for monetary policy. For now, regional investors appear encouraged by a mix of local economic resilience and supportive international cues.
REFH – Newshub, 5 September 2025
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