Asian markets settle higher on Monday
The benchmark Kospi extended last week’s gains to reach a new record high, buoyed by strong performances in the chip and auto sectors
Asian markets settled higher on Monday, tracking Wall Streets’ gains last Friday. Hong Kong shares rallied amid expectations that China will face lower tariffs after the US Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping tariff measures. The sentiments were also boosted further by news that Hong Kong will spend 4 billion Hong Kong Dollar in public funds to buy back the ownership rights of the seven fire-damaged buildings at Wang Fuk Court. The benchmark Kospi extended last week’s gains to reach a new record high, buoyed by strong performances in the chip and auto sectors. Further, Kospi got support by strong trade data that showed South Korea’s exports rising 23.5% year-on-year to $43.5 billion in the first 20 days of February 2026. The Japanese stock market was closed for Emperor's Birthday and Chinese market remained closed for the Lunar New Year holiday.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | -- | -- | -- |
| Hang Seng | 27,081.91 | 668.56 | 2.53 |
| Jakarta Composite | 8,396.08 | 124.32 | 1.48 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,757.98 | 5.15 | 0.29 |
| Nikkei 225 | -- | -- | -- |
| Straits Times | 5,041.33 | 23.73 | 0.47 |
| KOSPI Composite | 5,846.09 | 37.56 | 0.65 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 33,773.26 | 167.55 | 0.50 |
