Asian equity markets are trading broadly higher during Tuesday morning trading, September 22, with all six major equity indexes in the supplied data posting gains. South Korea leads the regional advance with a sharp rise in the KOSPI, while Japan, Hong Kong, China, India and Australia also move higher. At the same time, regional currency markets are moving in the opposite direction, with both the Australian Dollar Index and Japanese Yen Index declining.

South Korea Leads Gains as KOSPI Moves Above 7,100

The KOSPI Composite Index is the strongest-performing major Asian equity benchmark, rising 2.23% to 7,164.20. The advance takes the index above the 7,100 level and reinforces the positive momentum in South Korean equities during the current trading session.

The Nikkei 225 also gains 1.38% to 65,018.95. However, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is observing a holiday today. The benchmark movement should therefore be viewed in the context of the local trading calendar rather than as evidence of active Tokyo Stock Exchange trading during the morning session.

The performance of the two major Northeast Asian benchmarks highlights the strength of the positive regional move, with the KOSPI standing out for the scale of its advance.

Hong Kong, China and India Join the Regional Advance

The Hang Seng in Hong Kong rises 1.18% to 25,042.71, moving back above the 25,000 level. The gain is significantly stronger than the modest advance in Australia and places Hong Kong among the better-performing major Asian markets during the current session.

The SSE Composite Index in China also advances, rising 0.97% to 3,949.91. The benchmark is approaching the 3,950 level, with its gain adding to the positive performance across most major Asian markets.

In India, the S&P BSE SENSEX gains 0.76% to 74,858.99. The advance leaves the benchmark close to the 75,000 level and adds further support to the broadly positive regional picture. As a result, all six major equity indexes in the supplied data are trading higher during the morning session.

Australia Advances Modestly as Currency Markets Decline

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 rises 0.14% to 8,743.70. The increase is considerably smaller than the gains recorded in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China and India, but the index remains in positive territory and contributes to the broader regional advance.

Currency markets are showing a different direction. The Australian Dollar Index declines 0.06% to 71.21, while the Japanese Yen Index falls 0.27% to 63.58. The divergence between rising equity markets and weaker currency benchmarks remains relevant for investors monitoring the relationship between regional risk assets and foreign-exchange markets.

The international trading calendar also includes the closure of the Sofia Stock Exchange in Bulgaria for Independence Day. In Asia, the Tokyo Stock Exchange is closed for a holiday, meaning Japanese market activity should be assessed in accordance with the local trading calendar.

Outlook: Can the Asian Rally Extend?

Investors will be watching whether the KOSPI can maintain levels above 7,100 and whether the Hang Seng can establish itself above 25,000. The SSE Composite Index is approaching 3,950, while the S&P BSE SENSEX is near 75,000 and the S&P/ASX 200 remains below 8,800. For the Nikkei 225, the 65,000 level will remain an important reference point when regular trading resumes in Tokyo. At the same time, the direction of the Australian Dollar Index and Japanese Yen Index could influence the regional picture, particularly for investors assessing the relationship between currencies, equities and risk appetite. Differences in the strength of gains across the major indexes will also remain an important factor to monitor as Asian markets continue the trading week.