Asian markets are presenting a mixed picture on Thursday morning, October 1, as Japan advances while Australia, South Korea and India trade lower. The regional session is also being shaped by market holidays in China and Hong Kong, limiting active trading across several major Asian markets and leaving investors to focus on the performance of markets that remain open.

Japan Leads as Nikkei 225 Extends Higher

Japan is leading the active gains across the major Asian equity indexes. The Nikkei 225 rises 1.16% to 67,528.52 points, moving above the 67,500-point level during the morning session. The advance is the strongest gain among the active equity benchmarks in the supplied data and gives Japan a clear positive lead within an otherwise mixed regional session.

The Japanese Yen Index, however, moves slightly lower, falling 0.04% to 63.54. The modest decline in the currency benchmark contrasts with the stronger performance of the Nikkei 225, leaving Japan’s equity and currency indicators moving in opposite directions during the morning session.

Australia and South Korea Face Pressure

Australia is recording the sharpest decline among the active major equity markets. The S&P/ASX 200 falls 1.17% to 8,686.30 points, moving below the 8,700-point level. The decline is the largest negative move among the equity benchmarks supplied for the morning session.

South Korea is also trading lower. The KOSPI Composite Index declines 0.60% to 6,797.17 points, remaining below the 7,000-point level. The move contrasts sharply with the 1.16% advance in the Nikkei 225 and reinforces the divergence between major Asian markets.

India is showing comparatively limited weakness. The S&P BSE SENSEX slips 0.07% to 72,480.29 points, remaining close to the 72,500-point level. The decline is considerably smaller than those recorded by the S&P/ASX 200 and KOSPI Composite Index.

The Australian Dollar Index also moves lower, falling 0.51% to 69.50. The decline in the currency benchmark accompanies the weaker performance of the S&P/ASX 200, leaving both Australian indicators lower during the morning session.

China and Hong Kong Closed for National Day

Trading conditions in China and Hong Kong differ from those in the region’s active markets. The Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange are closed on Thursday for National Day. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is also closed for National Day.

The supplied SSE Composite Index stands at 3,842.19 points, with a reported change of +0.31%, while the Hang Seng stands at 24,613.27 points, with a reported change of +0.37%. Because the relevant exchanges are closed, these figures should be treated as reference benchmark levels rather than active Thursday morning market moves.

The closures are particularly relevant when assessing regional market breadth, as China and Hong Kong represent important components of the broader Asian equity landscape.

Outlook: Investors Track Active Markets and Holiday Effects

Investors will monitor whether the Nikkei 225 can sustain its 1.16% advance and whether weakness in Australia, South Korea and India stabilizes as Thursday’s session progresses. Key levels include the Nikkei 225 at 67,528.52, S&P/ASX 200 at 8,686.30, KOSPI Composite Index at 6,797.17 and S&P BSE SENSEX at 72,480.29. The Japanese Yen Index at 63.54 and Australian Dollar Index at 69.50 will provide additional currency signals, while the SSE Composite Index at 3,842.19 and Hang Seng at 24,613.27 remain reference points during the National Day closures. In Europe, the Cyprus Stock Exchange is closed for Independence Day and the Ukraine Stock Exchange is closed for Defender Day, adding to the holiday-related differences in global market activity.