Asian markets trade mostly lower in early deals on Friday

20 Feb 2026 Evaluate

Asian markets traded mostly lower in early deals on Friday, saddled by escalating geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran. Sharp sell offs in technological sector stocks pressured the indices. Trading activity in the region remained subdued, with low volumes persisting during the Lunar New Year holidays in China and Taiwan. Japan’s Nikkei plunged after headline CPI of the country slipped below the Bank of Japan's 2% target for the first time in nearly four years.

Nikkei plunged by 646.83 points or 1.13% to 56,821.00, Hang Seng down by 177.94 points 0.67% to 26,528.00, Jakarta Composite dipped by 12.93 points 0.16% to 8,261.15, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index declined by 1.96 points or 0.11% to 1,750.15.

On the flip side, KOSPI Index rose by 111.55 points or 1.96% to 5,788.80, Straits Times was up by 7.79 points or 0.16% to 5,009.35.

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