Asian equity markets ended Friday’s session with a mixed performance, as investors balanced expectations around global monetary policy with regional economic signals and sector-specific moves.
Japan ends week on a cautious note
In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 closed modestly higher, supported by exporter stocks as the yen remained relatively weak against the US dollar. Gains were limited, however, as investors remained cautious ahead of upcoming global macro data and further clarity on interest-rate trajectories in major economies.
China and Hong Kong show restrained moves
Mainland Chinese markets finished close to flat. The Shanghai Composite ended the session marginally lower as investors continued to assess the pace of China’s economic recovery and the impact of recent policy measures. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index posted a slight gain, helped by selective strength in technology and consumer stocks, though overall sentiment remained subdued.
India underperforms regional peers
Indian equities ended Friday in negative territory, underperforming most Asian peers. The Sensex declined as financials and industrials came under pressure, while concerns over foreign capital outflows and currency movements weighed on investor confidence.
South-East Asia sees selective buying
Markets across South-East Asia closed with modest gains. Investors focused on domestic growth prospects and earnings resilience, particularly in banking and consumer sectors, while remaining alert to external risks linked to global interest-rate policy and trade developments.
Weekly close reflects cautious optimism
Overall, Asian markets ended the week with a cautiously optimistic tone, supported by relative policy stability but constrained by lingering uncertainty around global growth, inflation trends, and geopolitical risks. Investors are likely to remain selective in the near term, with attention turning to upcoming economic data releases and central-bank guidance.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 24 January 2026
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