Asian markets ended February 13, 2026, on a decisively negative note, with most major indexes posting losses amid renewed selling pressure. Weakness was widespread across developed and emerging markets in the region, signaling a pullback after recent rallies. Currency movements suggested cautious positioning, as investors reassessed risk exposure heading into the weekend.

Broad-Based Selloff Hits Regional Equities

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng led regional declines, falling 1.72% to 26,567.55. The drop underscores renewed pressure in Chinese-linked equities, as traders locked in profits and responded to softer sentiment in mainland markets.

China’s SSE Composite Index slid 1.26% to 4,082.07, adding to the negative tone across Greater China. The decline reflects caution surrounding economic momentum and investor sensitivity to macro signals.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.21% to 56,941.97, reversing part of its recent strong run. Despite the equity decline, the Japanese Yen Index rose 0.34% to 65.47, suggesting modest safe-haven flows into the currency. A firmer yen can weigh on export-heavy Japanese stocks, amplifying downside pressure.

South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index edged down 0.28% to 5,507.01. While the decline was milder compared to peers, it signals cooling momentum after strong gains earlier in the week.

India and Australia Add to Regional Weakness

India’s S&P BSE Sensex dropped 1.22% to 82,656.09, reflecting increased volatility and possible foreign investor outflows. The retreat suggests investors are trimming exposure in higher-beta emerging markets amid shifting global risk dynamics.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 1.39% to 8,917.60, marking one of the steeper losses in the region. Commodity-linked shares came under pressure, while the Australian Dollar Index declined 0.52% to 70.87. A softer Australian dollar may reflect waning demand for risk-sensitive currencies and commodity outlook concerns.

The broad nature of today’s selloff indicates that the weakness was not confined to a single sector or geography but represented a region-wide recalibration of risk.

Taiwan Closed, Liquidity Thinner Across Asia

The Taiwan Stock Exchange remained closed due to a public holiday, reducing overall regional trading volume. Taiwan plays a key role in the global semiconductor ecosystem, and its closure likely limited broader participation in tech-related flows across Asia.

Currency movements offered additional clues to investor sentiment:

• Japanese Yen Index: 65.47 (+0.34%)
• Australian Dollar Index: 70.87 (-0.52%)

The divergence between the strengthening yen and weakening Australian dollar reflects a defensive tilt. Investors appear to be rotating toward safer assets while trimming exposure to growth-sensitive currencies.

Overall, February 13 closed with a cautious and risk-off tone across Asia. Markets are digesting prior gains while reacting to evolving global macro signals.

Looking ahead, traders will monitor upcoming economic releases, central bank commentary, and corporate earnings updates for direction. Continued currency volatility and shifting global capital flows could influence near-term momentum. If risk appetite stabilizes, markets may attempt a rebound, but sustained weakness in key benchmarks like the Hang Seng and Nikkei could signal a deeper consolidation phase. Investors are likely to remain selective, balancing growth opportunities with defensive positioning in an increasingly data-driven environment.