Asian markets ended mostly higher on Friday, with South Korea’s Kospi, Hong Kong and Chinese indices recovering from an early slide as bargain hunters stepped in to buy heavily discounted technology and semiconductor shares. However, Japanese markets dropped as investors shifted from high-performing tech and artificial intelligence shares into safe-haven government bonds. Further, market participants remain cautious due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, following reports that the US and Israel had prepared plans for possible renewed strikes against Iran after next month’s midterm elections. Taiwan's markets were closed as Typhoon Champi approached. Traders also shifted their focus on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting scheduled for October 27-28, 2026, at the conclusion of which the Fed is expected to announce its interest rate decision.
Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
Shanghai Composite | 3,690.48 | 32.45 | 0.89 |
Hang Seng | 23,093.37 | 158.69 | 0.69 |
Jakarta Composite | 5,439.26 | 51.35 | 0.95 |
KLSE Composite | 1,611.56 | 3.42 | 0.21 |
Nikkei 225 | 62,693.16 | -214.68 | -0.34 |
Straits Times | 5,422.16 | 7.02 | 0.13 |
KOSPI Composite | 5,550.30 | 16.53 | 0.30 |
Taiwan Weighted | -- | -- | -- |