Asian markets delivered a sharply divided performance on October 13, 2026, as severe selling pressure in South Korea and Japan contrasted with a strong recovery in India and modest gains in Hong Kong and mainland China. The KOSPI recorded the largest decline among the reported benchmarks, extending its recent weakness and approaching the 6,000 level. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE SENSEX rebounded above 73,000, highlighting the uneven distribution of market sentiment across the region.

South Korea Leads the Selloff

The KOSPI Composite Index plunged 5.46% to 6,035.35, extending its steep decline from the previous reported session, when it fell 3.65% to 6,384.24. The latest move pushed the benchmark substantially lower and brought it close to the psychologically important 6,000 threshold.

The consecutive sharp losses signal mounting pressure on South Korean equities. Investors will be watching whether the index can stabilize near current levels or whether further selling drives it below 6,000. The size of the decline also stands out against the more limited movements recorded in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Japan’s Nikkei Extends Its Retreat

The Nikkei 225 fell 1.82% to 67,777.52, dropping below 68,000 and extending its retreat from the 70,000 area. The decline represented another significant setback after the benchmark slipped 0.02% in the previous reported session.

The PHLX Yen also weakened, falling 0.22% to 63.03. The simultaneous declines in Japanese equities and the yen indicator added to the cautious tone across the Japanese market, although the supplied figures alone do not establish a specific cause for the moves.

India Leads the Recovery

India’s S&P BSE SENSEX advanced 1.54% to 73,033.78, making it the strongest-performing equity benchmark in the supplied data. The index recovered above 73,000 after closing at 71,924.68 on October 12, reversing its previous session’s 0.76% decline.

The rebound placed India among the region’s relative outperformers at a time when South Korea and Japan faced considerable pressure. Whether the Sensex can maintain its position above 73,000 will be an important near-term indicator of the durability of the recovery.

Hong Kong and China Post Modest Gains

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.30% to 24,345.22, extending its recovery above 24,000. The benchmark continued to show relative resilience compared with the sharper losses in South Korea and Japan.

The SSE Composite Index edged up 0.10% to 3,800.86, returning above the 3,800 threshold after closing at 3,797.24 on October 12. The gain was modest, but it kept mainland Chinese equities near an important psychological level.

Australian Markets Remain Nearly Flat

The S&P/ASX 200 was virtually unchanged, gaining just 0.01% to 8,783.90. The benchmark remained close to 8,800, suggesting limited directional momentum during the session.

The Australian Dollar Currency Index moved lower, declining 0.37% to 69.60. The contrast between nearly flat Australian equities and a weaker currency reflected mixed conditions in the Australian market.

Outlook

The October 13 session leaves Asian markets facing an increasingly uneven outlook. The KOSPI’s decline to 6,035.35 puts the 6,000 level firmly in focus, while the Nikkei’s fall below 68,000 raises questions about the durability of its earlier advance. In contrast, the Sensex has reclaimed 73,000, the Hang Seng remains above 24,000 and the SSE Composite has recovered the 3,800 threshold. Investors will be watching for stabilization in South Korea and Japan, alongside evidence that India’s rebound and the modest gains in Chinese markets can persist.