Asian markets finished firmly higher on Tuesday, November 26, as investors responded positively to improving global sentiment, stronger economic signals from key regional economies, and easing concerns surrounding central bank policy paths heading into year-end. Gains were widespread across Asia, led by sharp advances in South Korea and Japan, while China remained the lone outlier as domestic concerns continued to weigh on investor confidence.

The KOSPI Composite Index surged 2.67% to 3,960.87, its strongest advance in weeks, driven by heavy buying in semiconductors and large-cap technology companies. Japan’s Nikkei 225 followed with a 1.85% rise to 49,559.07, supported by weaker U.S. yields and renewed optimism in export-oriented sectors. India, Australia, and Hong Kong also posted solid gains, while China’s markets lagged behind. Meanwhile, the Mongolia Stock Exchange remained closed in observance of Independence Day.

KOSPI Leads Asia on Tech Strength and Improved Global Outlook

South Korea’s KOSPI Composite Index delivered the strongest performance of the day, soaring 2.67%, as investors returned aggressively to technology and semiconductor names. Global chip-demand expectations remain robust heading into 2026, and South Korean markets have been highly sensitive to developments in the AI and advanced-manufacturing sectors.

Chipmakers and electronics heavyweights led the rally, supported by improving external trade data and speculation that South Korea’s central bank may maintain a more accommodative stance amid easing inflation. The upward movement also reflected broader optimism tied to a stabilizing global economy, which has helped lift investor appetite for risk and cyclical assets.

Analysts noted that the KOSPI’s surge underscores renewed confidence in South Korea’s role as a key supplier within global technology supply chains, particularly as advanced-manufacturing investments increase across Asia and North America.

Japan and India Extend Regional Momentum

Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 1.85%, bolstered by strong export demand and a modest strengthening of the Japanese yen, which rose 0.58% to 64.11. The yen’s movement indicates greater investor confidence that Japan’s inflation levels remain stable enough to limit further monetary tightening. Exporters, consumer technology, and industrials all contributed meaningfully to the rally.

India’s S&P BSE Sensex climbed 1.21% to 85,608.57, marking another strong session as domestic investors responded positively to resilient corporate earnings and steady foreign-investment flows. Financials, consumer goods, and energy names supported the Sensex’s advance, reflecting optimism about India’s broad-based economic growth trajectory.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.81%, driven by gains in mining and energy stocks. Stable commodity demand and a slight increase in the Australian Dollar Index (+0.08%) contributed to the upward momentum.

Mixed Results in Greater China as Mainland Shares Lag

While most Asian markets rallied, China’s SSE Composite Index slipped 0.15% to 3,864.18, reflecting lingering concerns over weak domestic demand, the ongoing property-sector slowdown, and slow-paced policy response. Investors remain cautious as Beijing’s economic-support measures, though present, have yet to deliver meaningful momentum in key sectors.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index managed a modest 0.13% gain, supported by selective buying in technology and consumer stocks. However, sentiment remained fragile due to China’s ongoing economic challenges and continued caution among global investors regarding Chinese assets.

Despite the subdued performance in China, risk appetite across Asia improved as global market conditions stabilized and currency movements supported regional equity flows.

Outlook: Watching Policy Direction, Currency Movements, and China’s Stabilization Efforts

Looking ahead, Asian markets will continue to monitor crucial signals from regional central banks, with particular attention on inflation trends in Japan, Korea, and India. Currency movements — especially the yen’s recent strengthening — will remain a key factor influencing export-sensitive sectors.

Investors are also closely watching China for clearer policy direction and stronger economic-stabilization measures, as its performance remains a critical anchor for the regional outlook. While risks tied to geopolitics, global demand, and currency volatility remain, improving sentiment and broad-based momentum suggest that Asian markets may continue to trend upward as the year draws to a close.