Asian markets delivered a mixed performance on September 28, 2026, as sharp declines in South Korea, mainland China and India contrasted with gains in the Japanese yen, Hong Kong and Australia. The session marked a renewed increase in volatility following the mixed performance seen across the region late last week, with several major benchmarks moving toward important technical levels.

South Korea Leads Regional Declines

The KOSPI Composite Index was the weakest reported market, falling 2.70% to 6,889.74. The decline pushed the benchmark back below the 7,000 level after it had maintained that threshold during much of the recent recovery.

The latest loss represents a significant reversal from the KOSPI’s 0.90% gain in the previous reported session. The move below 6,900 also places renewed focus on whether the benchmark can establish support around the 6,800–6,900 region.

China and India Face Renewed Pressure

The SSE Composite Index declined 1.67% to 3,823.62, extending the weakness that has kept the benchmark below 3,900. The index has now moved substantially farther from the 4,000 level that had represented an important recovery target earlier in September.

The S&P BSE SENSEX also weakened sharply, falling 1.54% to 72,756.74. The benchmark moved further below 75,000 and toward the 72,500 area, reversing part of its recent recovery attempt.

Japan Equity Market Pulls Back

The Nikkei 225 fell 0.73% to 65,877.62, giving back part of its recent advance after reaching 66,364.20 on September 25. Despite the decline, the benchmark remained above 65,000.

The Japanese Yen Index moved in the opposite direction, gaining 1.05% to 63.57. The advance reversed part of the yen’s recent weakness and brought the currency index back above 63.00. The divergence between the stronger yen and weaker Japanese equities was notable during the session.

Hong Kong and Australia Show Relative Stability

The Hang Seng gained 0.54% to 24,642.51, recovering modestly after its 1.01% decline on September 25. The index remained below 25,000, however, leaving that level as an important reference point for the next sessions.

The S&P/ASX 200 edged 0.17% higher to 8,679.70, while the Australian Dollar Index gained 0.14% to 70.25. Both indicators showed modest stabilization following the weakness recorded in the previous session.

Outlook

The September 28 session leaves Asian markets at several important technical thresholds. The KOSPI’s move below 7,000 and the SSE Composite’s decline toward 3,800 highlight renewed downside pressure, while the Sensex has moved closer to 72,500. Japan’s Nikkei remains above 65,000 despite its pullback, and the Hang Seng continues to trade below 25,000. Meanwhile, the yen’s recovery above 63.00 and modest gains in Australia provide some contrasting signals. Investors will be watching whether the weaker benchmarks can establish support or whether selling pressure extends into the next sessions.