Highlights:

– KOSPI jumps 1.67% to lead Asia’s equity rally, supported by technology and semiconductor shares.
– Hang Seng gains 1.01%, extending its rebound amid optimism around Chinese policy support.
– Nikkei 225 advances 0.87%, closing in on record highs as the yen remains steady.

Asian markets opened Thursday, September 11, with a strong upward momentum across major indices. Broad-based optimism in global equities and resilient currency trends in the region are helping sentiment, despite persistent concerns over U.S. interest rate direction and sluggish global growth. Investors across Asia are looking for signs of policy easing in China and steady growth from Japan, while Australia and India continue to show resilient performance.

KOSPI Leads Asia With Strong Gains

The KOSPI Composite Index rose 1.67% to 3,314.53, emerging as the region’s top performer. South Korea’s market strength is largely attributed to demand for technology shares, particularly semiconductor giants that remain central to the global supply chain. The rally also reflects investor confidence in improving export trends and the view that global chip demand is stabilizing after a challenging cycle.

Foreign inflows into Seoul’s market have strengthened in recent weeks, suggesting international investors are re-entering South Korean equities as valuations appear attractive compared to global peers. This momentum is significant for regional risk sentiment, often setting the tone for neighboring markets.

Hong Kong and Mainland China Post Modest Gains

The **Hang Seng Index climbed 1.01% to 26,200.26**, continuing its recovery after months of volatility. Investor optimism is being fueled by expectations that Beijing may roll out additional support measures for property developers and private enterprises.

Mainland equities were also positive, with the **Shanghai Composite (000001.SS) up 0.13% at 3,812.22**. The incremental gains highlight a cautious but steady sentiment, as traders await concrete signals of stimulus from Chinese authorities. While growth in the world’s second-largest economy remains under scrutiny, the equity market response reflects a belief that policy makers will act to prevent deeper slowdowns.

Japan’s Nikkei Holds Near Record Levels

The **Nikkei 225 added 0.87% to reach 43,837.67**, keeping Tokyo equities close to record territory. The index continues to benefit from robust corporate earnings and strong investor appetite for Japanese stocks as a diversification play in Asia.

The **Japanese yen index was nearly flat at 67.84 (-0.01%)**, providing a stable backdrop for exporters. A steady yen, combined with strong foreign investor inflows into Tokyo markets, has bolstered the Nikkei’s sustained momentum this year.

Australia and India Remain Resilient

The S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.31% to 8,830.40, supported by energy and mining stocks. With commodity prices holding firm, Australia’s equity market has managed to post consistent gains. The Australian dollar index rose 0.42% to 66.16, reflecting steady demand for the currency amid broader risk-on sentiment.

In India, the S&P BSE Sensex rose 0.40% to 81,425.15, extending its strong run in 2025. Investor optimism is being supported by domestic growth resilience and consistent foreign portfolio investment flows. India’s stock market continues to be viewed as one of the most attractive in Asia for long-term investors.

Regional Sentiment and Outlook

The synchronized gains across Asian markets this morning signal renewed investor confidence, though risks remain. The Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy direction, China’s structural economic challenges, and global trade tensions remain key variables that could influence momentum in coming weeks.

For now, the positive trend across Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, India, and Australia shows that Asia is benefiting from both localized drivers and global appetite for equity diversification. Traders will closely monitor currency stability—particularly the yen and yuan—as well as corporate earnings updates that could reinforce or weaken sentiment.

What to Watch Going Forward

– Potential policy announcements from China to stabilize property and financial markets.
– The impact of global semiconductor demand on South Korean equities.
– Movement in the yen and its implications for Japanese exporters.
– Trends in commodity prices that continue to drive Australian market direction.

Asian markets are starting Thursday on a solid footing, setting a constructive tone for the global trading day. If momentum holds, the region could see sustained inflows as global investors continue to rotate into emerging and developed Asia alike.