Asian markets opened the new trading week with a broad advance on September 21, 2026, as seven of the eight reported indicators moved higher. South Korea led the regional recovery, while Japan, Hong Kong, mainland China and India also posted gains. The session extended the positive momentum established at the end of the previous week, although the weaker yen remained a notable divergence.

South Korea Reclaims 7,000

The KOSPI Composite Index was the strongest reported equity benchmark, gaining 1.65% to 7,007.72. The advance pushed the index back above 7,000 after it closed at 6,894.23 on September 18.

The move represents another step in the KOSPI’s recovery following the sharp declines recorded earlier in September. Holding above 7,000 in subsequent sessions would keep attention focused on whether the benchmark can consolidate its latest gains.

Japan Extends Recovery

The Nikkei 225 climbed 1.38% to 65,018.95, returning to the same level recorded on September 18 in the supplied data. The benchmark remained above 65,000, reinforcing the recovery from its earlier September decline toward 63,000.

The Japanese Yen Index moved in the opposite direction, falling 0.56% to 63.75. The decline followed a 0.16% gain on September 18 and brought the currency index below 64.00. The divergence between Japanese equities and the yen remains an important feature of the current regional market environment.

Hong Kong and China Move Higher

The Hang Seng gained 1.18% to 25,042.71, moving back above 25,000 for the first time in the latest sequence after trading below that threshold for much of September.

The SSE Composite Index also strengthened, rising 0.97% to 3,949.91. The benchmark moved closer to 4,000 after gaining 0.94% on September 18. Its current level places the index within roughly 50 points of the psychological threshold.

India and Australia Post Modest Gains

The S&P BSE SENSEX rose 0.82% to 74,906.37, approaching the 75,000 level after remaining below it throughout the recent sequence. The advance followed a virtually unchanged session on September 18.

The Australian Dollar Index gained 0.18% to 71.25, while the S&P/ASX 200 was nearly flat, edging 0.01% higher to 8,731.90. Australia’s equity benchmark therefore remained stable despite the broader regional rally.

Outlook

The September 21 session marks a broad improvement in Asian equity-market momentum, with seven of eight reported indicators advancing. The KOSPI’s return above 7,000, the Hang Seng’s move above 25,000, the SSE Composite’s approach toward 4,000 and the Sensex’s proximity to 75,000 establish several important levels for the next sessions. Japan’s equity market also remains above 65,000, although the yen’s decline toward 63.75 introduces a contrasting currency signal. Investors will be watching whether these benchmarks can maintain their newly regained thresholds as the week develops.