Asian Markets Deliver a Mixed Performance

Asian markets opened the week with mixed performance on October 26, 2026, as gains in Hong Kong, India, mainland China and Australia contrasted with declines in South Korea and Japan. The Hang Seng recorded the strongest advance among the listed equity benchmarks, while the KOSPI posted the steepest loss.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng climbed 0.51% to 23,211.81, gaining 118.44 points from its previous reported close of 23,093.37 on October 23. India’s S&P BSE SENSEX advanced 0.45% to 73,454.10, recovering part of its recent decline.

The SSE Composite Index increased 0.19% to 3,697.52, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.17% to 8,809.90. These gains were relatively modest, indicating a measured advance rather than a broad regional rally.

The contrasting performance across markets highlighted the continued divergence in regional equity direction.

South Korea and Japan Face Renewed Selling Pressure

South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index fell 1.46% to 5,469.47, declining 80.83 points from its previous reported close of 5,550.30. The benchmark recorded the largest percentage loss among the listed equity indices, extending its weakness after its sharp recovery on October 21.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.80% to 62,189.65, losing 503.51 points from its previous reported close of 62,693.16. The decline left the index below the 62,500 level and continued its recent downward movement.

The losses in South Korea and Japan contrasted with advances elsewhere in the region, underscoring the uneven distribution of market performance. The latest figures alone do not establish a common catalyst behind the declines.

Hong Kong and India Advance

The Hang Seng’s 0.51% gain placed it among the stronger-performing major equity benchmarks in the session. Its increase followed a 0.69% advance in the previous reported session, extending its recent recovery.

India’s SENSEX also moved higher, rising 330.27 points to 73,454.10. The advance followed a 0.17% decline on October 23 and marked a modest improvement in the benchmark’s recent performance.

Mainland Chinese equities recorded a smaller gain, with the SSE Composite rising 7.04 points to 3,697.52. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 14.70 points, maintaining its position above 8,800.

Currency and Private Equity Indicators

The Australian Dollar Currency Index rose 0.26% to 70.36, the strongest gain among the listed currency and private equity indicators. APAC Private Equity edged up 0.04% to 6,913.08, remaining broadly stable.

The PHLX Yen declined 0.04% to 63.76, making it the only negative performer among these three indicators. The changes were relatively limited compared with the movements in the KOSPI and Nikkei.

Outlook

The October 26 session reflected selective strength across Asian markets rather than a synchronized regional advance. Investors may monitor whether gains in Hong Kong and India continue, while assessing whether South Korea and Japan can stabilize after their latest declines. The KOSPI’s movement around 5,500 and the Nikkei’s direction near 62,000 remain important reference points for tracking subsequent sessions.