Index	Price	Daily Change (%)
Shanghai Composite	4,117.41	+0.87%
Nikkei 225	57,321.09	+0.87%
Hang Seng Index	26,590.32	-1.82%
Shenzhen Component	14,291.57	+1.36%
KOSPI	5,969.64	+2.11%
S&P/ASX 200	9,022.30	-0.04%
NIFTY 50	25,424.65	-1.12%
Straits Times Index	5,020.79	-0.41%
S&P/NZX 50	13,532.31	+1.12%
Thailand SET Index	1,490.40	+0.69%
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI	1,754.01	-0.23%
TAIEX	34,700.82	+2.75%

On February 24, 2026, Asian markets exhibited mixed performance amid a backdrop of significant geopolitical and economic developments.

**Key Events Impacting Asian Indices:**
1. **U.S. Tariff Concerns**: The market sentiment was notably influenced by recent developments surrounding U.S. tariffs. Following a Supreme Court ruling that limited President Trump’s ability to impose tariffs unilaterally, investor anxiety persisted regarding potential trade tensions. This uncertainty capped gains in several Asian markets, particularly in sectors sensitive to trade policies.

2. **China’s Legal Actions Against Corruption**: In a bid to bolster investor confidence, China’s Supreme People’s Court announced support for legal actions against corrupt firms. This move coincided with the reopening of markets after a 10-day break, contributing to a rally in Chinese equities.

**Market Sentiment and Price Movements:**
– **Tokyo Stocks**: The Nikkei 225 index rose by 0.87%, driven by a rebound in heavyweight technology shares, although overall upside was limited by tariff concerns.
– **Chinese Markets**: The Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Component indices increased by 0.87% and 1.36%, respectively, reflecting positive sentiment following the court’s announcement.
– **KOSPI**: The South Korean index surged by 2.11%, benefiting from a favorable domestic economic outlook.
– **Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index**: In contrast, the Hang Seng Index fell by 1.82%, reflecting broader regional uncertainties and the impact of lower visitor numbers from mainland China during the Lunar New Year.
– **Other Indices**: The NIFTY 50 in India decreased by 1.12%, while the Straits Times Index in Singapore fell by 0.41%. Conversely, the TAIEX in Taiwan and the S&P/NZX 50 in New Zealand saw gains of 2.75% and 1.12%, respectively.

**Regional Economic Developments:**
1. **China’s Economic Strategy**: The People’s Bank of China maintained its benchmark lending rates, indicating a cautious approach to economic management amid a slowing economy. This decision is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the yuan while supporting growth.

2. **Tourism Trends**: Chinese tourism to Japan saw a significant decline of 50% during the Lunar New Year, with Thailand emerging as a favored destination for Chinese travelers. This shift underscores the evolving dynamics in regional tourism and its economic implications.

3. **Banking Sector Performance**: Standard Chartered reported a 16% increase in profits for 2025, driven by robust growth in wealth management, while UOB faced a 23% drop in profits due to higher allowances and lower interest margins. These contrasting performances highlight the varying challenges and opportunities within the banking sector across the region.

Overall, the Asian markets on February 24, 2026, reflected a complex interplay of local and international factors, with investor sentiment shaped by legal, economic, and geopolitical developments.

### FX Pairs Performance

1. **USD/JPY**: The pair is trading at 156.0410, reflecting a daily increase of 0.93%. The movement is driven by ongoing interest rate differentials, with the U.S. Federal Reserve maintaining a hawkish stance compared to the Bank of Japan’s accommodative policy.

2. **USD/CNY**: Currently at 6.8822, this pair has seen a decline of 0.37%. The Chinese yuan’s depreciation is influenced by concerns over economic growth in China and potential further easing measures by the People’s Bank of China.

3. **AUD/USD**: Trading at 0.7042, the Australian dollar has decreased by 0.25%. This movement is attributed to weaker commodity prices and a cautious outlook on global economic growth, impacting the Australian economy.

4. **NZD/USD**: The New Zealand dollar is at 0.5953, down by 0.07%. Similar to the AUD, the NZD is affected by global economic uncertainties and a decline in commodity prices, particularly dairy.

### Commodities Performance

1. **Gold**: Priced at $5,172.80, gold has seen a daily decrease of 0.61%. The decline is primarily due to a stronger U.S. dollar and rising interest rates, which reduce the appeal of non-yielding assets like gold.

2. **Silver**: Silver is trading at $87.64, with a daily increase of 1.29%. The rise is driven by increased industrial demand and safe-haven buying amid market volatility.

3. **Crude Oil (WTI)**: Currently at $67.00, WTI crude oil has

Pair	Price	Daily Change (%)
USD/JPY	156.04	+0.93%
USD/CNY	6.88	-0.37%
AUD/USD	0.70	-0.25%
NZD/USD	0.60	-0.07%

Commodity	Price	Daily Change (%)
Gold	$5172.80	-0.61%
Silver	$87.64	+1.29%
Crude Oil (WTI)	$67.00	+1.04%

Asset	Price	Daily Change (%)
Bitcoin	$63,040	-2.44%
Ethereum	$1,821	-1.87%

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