Asian markets closed broadly higher on May 22, 2026, as strong gains in Japan helped lift sentiment across the region. The session marked a continuation of Asia’s rebound from recent volatility, with investors returning to equities amid renewed confidence in growth-oriented sectors.

The widespread gains indicate improving regional momentum after several uneven trading sessions.

Japan Leads Regional Rally

Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged 2.68% to 63,339.07, delivering the strongest performance among major Asian markets and reclaiming the key 63,000 level.

The rally reinforces bullish sentiment surrounding Japanese equities, particularly in export-driven and technology sectors. Investor confidence has remained elevated as the market continues recovering from recent pullbacks.

South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index also advanced 0.41% to 7,847.71, extending its rebound following last week’s sharp correction. The steady gain suggests stabilization is returning to Korean technology and semiconductor shares.

China and Hong Kong Recover

China’s SSE Composite Index rose 0.87% to 4,112.90, rebounding after recent weakness and signaling improved confidence in mainland equities.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained 0.86% to 25,606.03, reflecting renewed buying interest across regional Chinese-linked assets.

The synchronized gains across China and Hong Kong helped improve broader regional sentiment after several sessions of divergence between Northeast Asia and Greater China markets.

India’s S&P BSE Sensex also moved higher, gaining 0.28% to 75,393.39, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.41% to 8,657.00.

Currency Markets Remain Stable

Currency markets showed limited movement during the session.

The Australian Dollar Index edged up 0.04% to 71.55, indicating stable risk appetite, while the Japanese Yen Index slipped slightly by 0.04% to 62.92.

The muted currency activity suggests investors remained focused primarily on equity positioning rather than defensive currency flows.

Israel Market Closed for Shavuot

Regional participation was slightly reduced as Israel’s Tel Aviv Stock Exchange remained closed for Shavuot.

The closure had minimal impact on overall Asian trading activity.

Outlook

Looking ahead, investors will monitor whether Japan can sustain momentum above 63,000 and whether South Korea continues stabilizing near the 7,800 level.

Improving performance in China and Hong Kong may also help strengthen broader regional confidence if gains continue into next week.

For now, Asia’s markets appear to be regaining upward momentum after recent volatility, supported by stronger investor sentiment, recovering technology shares, and renewed participation across major regional benchmarks