Asian equity markets in Hong Kong and Singapore closed mostly higher on Monday, with substantive gains as investor sentiment improved following a pivotal US legal decision on trade policy.
Regional bounce supported by global cues
Markets in Asia Pacific responded positively on Monday as optimism rose after the US Supreme Court struck down a major component of President Trump’s earlier trade policy. This boosted risk appetite across key Asian bourses, particularly in technology and financial sectors.
The Straits Times Index in Singapore finished at 5,041.33, up about 0.5 per cent on the day, supported by broad sector resilience and upbeat bank earnings.
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s benchmark index rallied strongly, advancing roughly 2.3 per cent as mainland-linked and export-oriented names outperformed. Regional trading benefited from improved confidence around easing tariff pressure and prospective capital flows, especially into tech and consumer stocks.
Market drivers and technical dynamics
The broader Asian trading session was mixed, as indices outside China and Japan fluctuated with profit-taking and rotation among growth stocks. Some markets, such as China’s mainland exchanges, were closed for the Lunar New Year holiday, limiting broader regional participation.
Investors weighed the impact of ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and structural shifts in industry leadership, with semiconductor and AI supply chains remaining central to performance narratives. Continued focus on US macroeconomic signals also influenced trading sentiment ahead of key data releases later this week.
Outlook and implications
With global equities reacting to policy developments, the Monday gains in Hong Kong and Singapore indicate a tentative shift toward risk-on positioning in Asian markets. Market participants will likely track the reopening of closed exchanges and developments in trade discussions closely for direction into Tuesday’s session.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 24 February 2026
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