Markets across Asia opened the week on Monday with a mixed tone, as optimism from Wall Street’s rebound clashed with regional pressures and looming policy decisions. Australian shares tracked higher, while Indian benchmarks ended a six-day losing streak. Japanese equities lagged, though most Chinese and Hong Kong indices advanced.
Asia steadies after Wall Street’s rebound
Asian equities broadly found support from a positive U.S. lead, where Wall Street closed higher last Friday on easing dollar pressure and encouraging inflation signals. The Hang Seng in Hong Kong gained more than 1.5 per cent, while the Shenzhen Composite climbed about 1.3 per cent. Investors also positioned themselves ahead of Chinese factory and industrial data due later in the week, which could set the tone for regional trade sentiment. In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 retreated close to 0.8 per cent, as profit-taking hit exporters sensitive to global demand cycles.
Australia opens with moderate gains
The Australian Securities Exchange began the day on firmer ground, with futures pointing to a rise of about 0.2 per cent. Strength in gold and base-metal prices provided a lift to mining stocks, a cornerstone of the index. Local investors are watching for further signals from China, Australia’s largest trading partner, while global risks including tariff disputes and the threat of a U.S. government shutdown remained in focus.
India snaps a losing streak
In Mumbai, Indian equities broke a six-day downturn. The Nifty 50 rose 0.43 per cent to 24,761, while the Sensex climbed 0.39 per cent to 80,745. Energy and oil and gas shares led the rebound, rising more than one per cent. However, Hindustan Unilever weighed on consumer stocks after the company warned of temporary sales disruptions tied to new tax measures, sending its shares down 2.7 per cent. Attention now turns to the Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting, which began today. Markets widely expect a rate pause, though speculation persists over the possibility of easing later this year.
Risks ahead for investors
Global risk appetite remains fragile. A potential U.S. government shutdown could delay economic data releases, unsettling international markets. Tariff disputes, particularly affecting India’s pharmaceutical sector and broader Asian exports, also linger. Meanwhile, any reversal in recent U.S. dollar weakness would pressure emerging-market currencies. For Asia, China’s forthcoming data and policy signals will be key in shaping investor direction as the week unfolds.
Editorial Asia – Newshub, 29 September 2025
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