Asian markets maintained a broadly positive tone on October 6, 2026, with Japan extending its powerful rally and several major benchmarks posting gains of around 1%. The Nikkei 225 was again among the region’s strongest performers, breaking decisively above 70,000 after reaching 69,946.86 on October 5.

Nikkei Moves Above 70,000

The Nikkei 225 climbed 737.12 points to 70,683.98, gaining 1.05% after its 2.40% advance in the previous session. The latest move placed the benchmark above the psychologically significant 70,000 threshold and reinforced the strong momentum that has emerged at the start of October.

The PHLX Yen was nearly unchanged, edging down 0.07% to 63.31. The limited currency movement contrasted with the continued strength in Japanese equities, leaving the stock market firmly in focus.

Hong Kong and India Extend Gains

The Hang Seng advanced 1.00% to 24,280.56, extending its recovery after falling sharply to 23,972.29 on October 2. The benchmark has now moved back above 24,000, suggesting that buyers have regained some momentum following the previous week’s volatility.

The S&P BSE SENSEX also strengthened, rising 0.92% to 73,047.43. The Indian benchmark moved above 73,000 after closing at 72,608.20 on October 5, adding to the previous session’s 0.97% gain.

Australia and China Post Moderate Gains

The S&P/ASX 200 gained 0.57% to 8,735.70, extending its gradual recovery toward the 8,800 level. The Australian Dollar Currency Index also rose 0.23% to 69.71, continuing its rebound from recent weakness.

The SSE Composite Index added 0.31% to 3,842.19. The benchmark remained unchanged at the reported level from the previous session, while still holding comfortably above the 3,800 threshold.

KOSPI Retreats

South Korea was the main exception among the major equity markets. The KOSPI Composite Index declined 0.89% to 6,941.39, falling back below 7,000 after holding above that level in the previous session.

The decline highlights the uneven nature of the regional advance. While Japan, Hong Kong and India strengthened, South Korean equities faced renewed selling pressure and moved further away from the 7,000 mark.

Outlook

The October 6 session leaves Asian markets with a constructive overall setup, led by the Nikkei’s break above 70,000 and continued gains in Hong Kong and India. The Hang Seng has recovered above 24,000, the Sensex is above 73,000 and the ASX 200 is approaching 8,800, while the SSE Composite remains above 3,800. Attention will now turn to whether the Nikkei can consolidate above 70,000 and whether the KOSPI can recover the 7,000 threshold after its latest decline. The ability of these major benchmarks to hold their new levels will be important in determining whether the early-October rally can continue.