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Asian markets trade mixed in early deals on Wednesday
Jun-24-2026
Asian markets traded mixed in early deals on Wednesday, with the sharp correction in technological sector stocks amid growing concerns over heavy AI spending by hyperscalers. Lingering geopolitical frictions, including trade restrictions and diplomatic tension between China and Japan, further dampened regional sentiment. Meanwhile, soft domestic data from mainland China - highlighted by contracting retail sales - weighed on overall market risk appetite. Japan’s Nikkei experienced a sharp selloff following the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) June summary of opinions. Investors reacted to hawkish remarks from policymakers, who signaled their intent to continue raising interest rates as inflation approaches the central bank’s 2% target. Bucking the trend, South Korea’s KOSPI sharply rebounded, after a historic ‘Black Tuesday’ crash. This recovery was primarily driven by a technical correction following the prior day's steep drop. The rebound was heavily supported by massive gains in semiconductor giant Samsung Electronics, which jumped over 7% amid reports of an anticipated 90 trillion won share buyback. 

Nikkei tumbled by 733.38 points or 1.05% to 69,055.00, Taiwan weighted plunged by 1,167.21 points or 2.48% to 45,933.44, Jakarta Composite dipped by 101.64 points or 1.67% to 5,999.69, and Shanghai Composite declined by 5.11 points or 0.12% to 4,101.14.

On the flip side, Hang Seng up by 38.72 points or 0.17% to 23,375.00, Straits Times rose by 8.92 points 0.17% to 5,214.66, KOSPI Index surged by 212.77 points or 2.59% to 8,416.61, and FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI index added by 9.18 points or 0.55% to 1,689.10.

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