Asian Markets Deliver a Divergent Performance

Asian markets recorded a mixed session on October 27, 2026, as South Korea and Japan led gains among major equity benchmarks while mainland China and Hong Kong faced renewed selling pressure. Australia also advanced, while India’s S&P BSE SENSEX was virtually unchanged.

The KOSPI Composite Index climbed 3.09% to 5,638.34, gaining 168.87 points from its previous reported close of 5,469.47. The advance reversed the previous session’s 1.46% decline and returned the index above 5,600.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.73% to 63,268.37, adding 1,078.72 points from its October 26 close of 62,189.65. The move brought the benchmark back above 63,000.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 increased 0.46% to 8,850.10, extending its advance from the previous reported session. However, gains across the region were not universal, with Chinese and Hong Kong equities moving lower.

South Korea and Japan Lead the Recovery

South Korea recorded the strongest percentage gain among the listed equity benchmarks. The KOSPI’s 3.09% advance followed consecutive declines in recent sessions, although the index remained below its October 21 close of 5,735.66.

Japan’s Nikkei also recorded a strong recovery, rising 1.73%. The increase followed a 0.80% decline on October 26 and returned the index above the 63,000 level.

Australia’s benchmark added 40.20 points to reach 8,850.10. The more moderate increase contrasted with the sharper advances in South Korea and Japan, reflecting different levels of movement across the region.

India’s S&P BSE SENSEX edged down 0.01% to 73,598.67, a decline of just 4.57 points. Its near-flat performance placed it between the stronger Northeast Asian markets and the weaker Chinese benchmarks.

China and Hong Kong Move Lower

The SSE Composite Index fell 1.33% to 3,648.30, recording the largest decline among the listed indicators. The benchmark lost 49.22 points from its previous reported close of 3,697.52.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.73% to 23,041.32, giving up 170.49 points from the previous session. The index moved closer to the 23,000 level despite gains elsewhere in Asia.

The contrasting performance of Chinese and Hong Kong equities highlighted the uneven nature of the session. The supplied market figures do not establish a common catalyst for the declines.

Currency and Private Equity Indicators

The Australian Dollar Currency Index fell 0.27% to 70.17, while the PHLX Yen declined 0.46% to 63.47. Both currency-related indicators moved lower despite advances in South Korea, Japan and Australia.

APAC Private Equity slipped 0.09% to 6,906.61, remaining relatively stable compared with the larger movements in listed equity markets.

Outlook

The October 27 session was characterized by a sharp recovery in South Korea and Japan alongside continued weakness in mainland China and Hong Kong. Investors may monitor whether the KOSPI can sustain its move above 5,600 and whether the Nikkei can maintain its position above 63,000. The next sessions will also help determine whether the declines in the SSE Composite and Hang Seng deepen or stabilize.