Asian markets opened the new week on a broadly positive footing on October 5, 2026, with all eight reported benchmarks and currency indicators advancing. Japan led the regional rally, with the Nikkei 225 approaching the 70,000 level after a 2.40% surge. The gains across the region marked a sharp improvement from the mixed performance recorded on October 2.

Japan Leads Regional Rally

The Nikkei 225 was the standout performer, climbing 1,637.40 points to 69,946.86. The 2.40% gain brought the index within striking distance of the psychologically important 70,000 threshold and reversed much of the previous session’s 0.94% decline.

The Japanese Yen Index also gained 0.15% to 63.35. The simultaneous rise in Japanese equities and the yen points to stronger overall market sentiment rather than a rally driven solely by currency weakness.

India and South Korea Extend Gains

The S&P BSE SENSEX rose 0.97% to 72,608.20, moving back above the 72,000 level after falling 0.79% on October 2. The advance represented the second-largest equity gain among the reported Asian benchmarks.

The KOSPI Composite Index added 0.46% to 7,003.74, holding above the 7,000 threshold for a second reported session. The South Korean benchmark has therefore maintained a relatively firm position despite recent volatility across the region.

China and Hong Kong Stabilize

The SSE Composite Index gained 0.31% to 3,842.19, remaining above 3,800. The latest advance followed a similar 0.31% increase in the previous reported session, indicating continued stability around the 3,800 level.

The Hang Seng rose 0.28% to 24,040.34, recovering slightly after its sharp 2.60% decline on October 2. Although the gain was modest, the move brought the benchmark back above 24,000 and suggested some stabilization following the previous session’s heavy selling.

Australia and Currencies Edge Higher

The Australian Dollar Index advanced 0.36% to 69.56, reversing part of its 0.29% decline from October 2. The S&P/ASX 200 also moved higher, although only marginally, gaining 0.05% to 8,686.40.

The limited ASX advance contrasted with stronger gains elsewhere in the region, leaving the Australian benchmark just below the 8,700 level. Nevertheless, the positive close extended its recent attempt to stabilize following earlier volatility.

Outlook

The October 5 session leaves Asian markets with a stronger technical backdrop, led by Japan’s approach toward 70,000 and the Sensex’s recovery above 72,000. The KOSPI remains above 7,000, while the Hang Seng has regained 24,000 after its sharp previous-session decline. The SSE Composite continues to hold above 3,800, and the ASX 200 remains close to 8,700. With all eight reported indicators finishing higher, investors will now watch whether the broad-based advance develops into sustained momentum or remains a short-term rebound across regional markets.