Asia Opens with Strong Gains Across Major Indices

Asian equity markets opened higher on Thursday, July 24, 2025, as investors embraced renewed optimism around corporate earnings, export resilience, and macroeconomic stability. The Nikkei 225 surged more than 3.5% in early trading, setting the tone for a positive session across the region.

Investors are responding to stronger-than-expected corporate results, stable inflation outlooks, and easing concerns over global interest rates. As risk appetite improves, equity benchmarks across Japan, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, Australia, and mainland China are all showing early strength.

Asian Index Performance – Morning Snapshot

• Nikkei 225: 41,171.32 (+3.51%)
• Hang Seng Index: 25,538.07 (+1.62%)
• S&P/ASX 200 (Australia): 8,737.20 (+0.69%)
• S&P BSE SENSEX (India): 82,726.64 (+0.66%)
• KOSPI Composite Index (South Korea): 3,183.77 (+0.44%)
• Shanghai Composite Index (000001.SS): 3,582.30 (+0.01%)

Japan’s Nikkei Leads the Region

The standout performer this morning is Japan’s Nikkei 225, climbing 3.51% to cross the 41,000 level for the first time in weeks. Gains were fueled by strong performance in technology and export sectors, bolstered by a steady yen. The latest earnings from major Japanese corporations have also beaten forecasts, contributing to investor confidence.

Hong Kong and China: Gradual Recovery Signs

The Hang Seng Index rose 1.62% in early trading, with broad-based gains across property, tech, and banking stocks. Investors remain cautiously optimistic about economic policy support from Beijing. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Composite Index ticked up just 0.01%, reflecting lingering uncertainty over China’s economic trajectory despite supportive policy signals.

Australia and India Benefit from Growth Momentum

Australian shares posted moderate gains as the S\&P/ASX 200 rose 0.69%. Mining and financial stocks led the advance, aided by a firm Australian dollar and stable commodity prices. Investors appear encouraged by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s neutral stance and improving business confidence.

India’s SENSEX index added 0.66%, continuing its upward momentum on the back of strong domestic earnings and investor inflows. Foreign institutional investors remain net buyers, and the economic outlook remains positive heading into the second half of 2025.

South Korea’s Market Steady with Modest Gains

The KOSPI Composite Index rose 0.44% during morning hours, supported by semiconductor and industrial stocks. South Korea’s export sector continues to show resilience, and investor sentiment remains upbeat amid expectations of stable interest rates and improving global demand.

Currency Market Update

• Japanese Yen Index: 68.26 (+0.09%)
• Australian Dollar Index: 66.00 (+0.72%)

Both the yen and Australian dollar are holding steady this morning. The relative stability in currency markets is providing additional support for equities, especially in export-driven economies like Japan and Australia.

What to Watch Today

Looking ahead, traders and investors will be monitoring several key developments:

• Upcoming earnings reports from major Asian companies
• Macro data releases from Japan and China
• Market sentiment in European and U.S. futures later in the day

If the risk-on sentiment continues and no major surprises emerge, Asian gains may extend into global markets.