Asian markets delivered a mixed session on September 29, 2026, with modest gains in Australia and mainland China contrasting with declines across Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and India. The session followed a volatile start to the week, with several major benchmarks remaining below important September recovery levels.

Australia Leads Modest Gains

The S&P/ASX 200 was the strongest reported equity benchmark, rising 0.34% to 8,709.30. The gain extended the previous session’s 0.17% advance and pushed the index back above 8,700.

The Australian Dollar Index, however, slipped 0.07% to 70.20. The small decline suggests that the improvement in Australian equities was not accompanied by stronger performance in the currency market.

China Edges Higher

The SSE Composite Index gained 0.18% to 3,830.45, recovering slightly from its 1.67% decline on September 28. Despite the advance, the benchmark remained below 3,900 and well below the 4,000 level that had represented an important recovery threshold earlier in September.

The modest gain indicates some stabilization after the previous session’s sharper decline, although the index remains close to the 3,800 level.

Japan Remains Under Pressure

The Nikkei 225 declined 0.60% to 65,481.27, extending its 0.73% decline on September 28. The benchmark remained above 65,000 but has now moved farther from its recent September high of 66,364.20.

The Japanese Yen Index was nearly unchanged, slipping 0.06% to 63.53 after gaining 1.05% in the previous session. The currency remained above 63.00 despite the modest pullback.

South Korea, Hong Kong and India Decline

The KOSPI Composite Index fell 0.27% to 6,870.81, extending its weakness below 7,000 after its 2.70% decline on September 28. The benchmark is now approaching the 6,800 level, which could become an important area for assessing near-term support.

The Hang Seng declined 0.53% to 24,511.89, moving close to the 24,500 level after falling 0.54% in the previous session. The index remains well below 25,000.

The S&P BSE SENSEX fell 0.43% to 72,462.19, extending its decline below 73,000 and bringing the benchmark closer to 72,000. The move follows a 1.54% loss on September 28.

Outlook

The September 29 session leaves Asian markets in a cautious and uneven position. The ASX 200’s return above 8,700 and the SSE Composite’s modest recovery provide limited signs of stabilization, while the Nikkei remains above 65,000. On the downside, the KOSPI is approaching 6,800, the Hang Seng is near 24,500 and the Sensex is moving toward 72,000. With most major equity benchmarks still below key September recovery levels, investors will be watching whether these areas develop into support or whether regional weakness continues into the next session.