Asian markets closed mostly higher on August 28, 2026, with Australia, India, and Japan leading the gains among the region’s major benchmarks. The broader session was relatively positive despite weakness in South Korea and a modest decline in mainland China.

The mixed performance came as investors continued to assess the direction of regional markets following significant volatility throughout August.

Australia Leads Regional Gains

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.60% to 9,092.30, recording the strongest advance among the major regional equity indexes.

The benchmark moved back above the 9,000 level, indicating a modest recovery after Thursday’s 0.98% decline. The rebound helped the Australian market close the week on firmer footing.

The Australian Dollar Index also strengthened, rising 0.31% to 71.92, providing additional support to the country’s broader market performance.

India and Japan Move Higher

India’s S&P BSE Sensex advanced 0.43% to 77,264.51, recovering some ground after Thursday’s 1.13% decline.

The move kept the index above 77,000, although it remained below the levels seen earlier in August.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 0.41% to 66,405.56, returning above 66,000 and extending its recent stabilization.

The gains in both India and Japan contrasted with the sharp decline in South Korea and contributed to the broader positive tone across the region.

Hong Kong Holds Steady While China Edges Lower

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.07% to 25,584.79, finishing almost unchanged and maintaining its position above 25,000.

China’s SSE Composite Index, however, slipped 0.11% to 3,952.18. The benchmark remained close to the important 4,000 threshold despite the marginal decline.

The contrasting performances suggest that sentiment toward Chinese equities remained relatively cautious heading into the end of the week.

South Korea Records the Sharpest Decline

South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index fell 1.79% to 6,788.88, recording the largest decline among the major Asian markets.

The retreat pushed the benchmark back below 6,800 after it gained 1.53% on Thursday. The decline also interrupted the KOSPI’s recent recovery toward the 7,000 level.

The sharp reversal highlights the continued volatility surrounding South Korean equities following the significant swings seen earlier in August.

Currency Markets Remain Relatively Calm

The Australian Dollar Index climbed 0.31% to 71.92, while the Japanese Yen Index declined 0.08% to 62.72.

Both moves were relatively modest, indicating limited movement in the region’s major currencies despite the divergent equity-market performance.

Outlook

Investors will continue watching whether Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 can remain above 9,000 and whether Japan’s Nikkei can sustain its position above 66,000.

China’s SSE Composite Index remains close to 4,000, making that level an important focus for the next trading sessions. Hong Kong’s ability to hold above 25,000 will also remain significant.

In South Korea, attention will center on whether the KOSPI can recover above 6,800 following Friday’s sharp decline.

Overall, Asian markets ended the week on a mostly positive note, although the contrasting performances across individual markets underscore the continued unevenness of the regional recovery.