Asian markets trade mostly higher in early deals on Monday

16 Feb 2026 Evaluate

Asian markets traded mostly higher in early deals on Monday, with thin trading volumes due to the Lunar New Year holidays. Japan’s Nikkei marginally higher, extending its rally on sustained investor optimism following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition securing a commanding majority. Investor sentiments got boosted with the bets on increased fiscal spending, economic stimulus, and strategic investments in AI and semiconductors. Stock market of Indonesia, Taiwan, South Korea and China are closed for the start of the Lunar New Year festivities.

Nikkei up by 102.03 points or 0.18% to 57,044.00, Hang Seng added by 159.88 points 0.60% to 26,727.00, and Straits Times rose by 0.80 points or 0.02% to 4,938.58.

On the flip side, FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index declined by 3.68 points or 0.21% to 1,735.86.


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