Asian markets opened on a mixed note on Monday, with gains seen in Singapore and China, while benchmarks in Hong Kong and Taiwan posted declines amid cautious global cues.
The Straits Times Index in Singapore led the regional gains, rising 39.95 points or 1.06%, to trade at 3,799.17. The upmove was supported by financials and real estate counters as investor sentiment turned positive following recent clarity on regional interest rate policy.
Shanghai Composite was also trading higher, gaining 6.47 points or 0.20% to 3,297.90, as China’s central bank signaled support for continued economic stabilization measures.
In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index extended losses, down 124.03 points or 0.58% at 21,271.11, weighed by tech and property stocks. Analysts attributed the decline to lingering concerns over corporate earnings and weak global demand.
Taiwan Weighted Index dropped 60.56 points or 0.32%, trading at 19,045.64, tracking weakness in chipmakers and electronics on the back of a sluggish Wall Street session.
South Korea’s KOSPI managed modest gains, adding 3.12 points or 0.13% to trade at 2,491.54, supported by auto and export stocks despite external uncertainties.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 22.38 points or 0.07% to 34,257.54, with sentiment muted ahead of key corporate earnings this week.
India’s Gift Nifty, an early indicator for domestic equity trends, was trading flat with a marginal gain of 8.50 points or 0.04%, at 24,158.50 as of 7:43 IST.
The broader mood across Asia remains cautious as investors weigh the outlook on inflation, U.S. interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments impacting supply chains.
Disclaimer: The above article is for informational purposes only and reflects real-time market data as of April 22, 2025. Please consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.
