Index	Price	Daily Change (%)
Shanghai Composite	4015.75	-2.48
Nikkei 225	52655.18	-1.25
Hang Seng Index	26775.57	-2.23
Shenzhen Component	13824.35	-2.69
KOSPI	4949.67	-5.26
S&P/ASX 200	8778.60	-1.02
NIFTY 50	25088.40	-0.92
Straits Times Index	4892.27	-0.26
S&P/NZX 50	13412.44	-0.08
Thailand SET Index	1321.42	-0.32
FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI	1740.88	+0.58
TAIEX	31624.03	-1.37

On February 03, 2026, Asian markets experienced significant declines, reflecting a broader sense of uncertainty and caution among investors. The Nikkei 225 fell by 1.25%, closing at 52,655.18, while the Hang Seng Index dropped 2.23% to 26,775.57. The Shanghai Composite and Shenzhen Component also faced declines of 2.48% and 2.69%, respectively, indicating a bearish sentiment across major indices.

Key events influencing market dynamics included Japan’s government spokesman denying Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on the benefits of a weaker yen, which has been a contentious topic amid ongoing economic challenges. Additionally, potential increases in tariffs on approximately 400 farm and food import items in Japan could further strain consumer sentiment and economic stability.

In China, the government’s move to tighten tax incentives and raise rates in various sectors aimed at shoring up finances amid declining fiscal revenues and deflationary pressures has raised concerns among investors. This initiative reflects the government’s struggle to stimulate economic growth, which is crucial for maintaining investor confidence.

Hong Kong’s cryptocurrency market also faced turbulence, with Bitcoin plummeting to US$74,541, marking a 40% decline from its peak. This downturn has left investors feeling cautious despite some remaining optimism about future recovery. The Hong Kong police’s crackdown on fraud and money laundering, with over 680 arrests, adds another layer of complexity to the financial landscape, potentially impacting market sentiment.

On a more positive note, Hong Kong’s IPO market showed resilience, achieving the second-highest January on record with 12 companies raising $4.2 billion. This surge in IPO activity suggests a robust appetite for new listings, although concerns about the quality of sponsor preparations have emerged.

In the fintech space, Revolut announced plans to triple its workforce in Singapore, indicating confidence in the region’s growth potential. This move aligns with broader trends of investment and expansion in Asia, particularly as diplomatic ties between the UK and China strengthen, fostering business opportunities.

Overall, the Asian markets today reflect a confluence of economic pressures, regulatory changes, and sector-specific developments that are shaping investor sentiment and market trajectories. International investors should remain vigilant as these factors continue to evolve, influencing market dynamics in the region.

Date	Time	Cur	Imp	Event	Actual	Forecast
None	02:00		Medium	Nationwide HPI (MoM) (Jan)	0.3%	0.3%
None	02:00		Medium	Nationwide HPI (YoY) (Jan)	1.0%	0.7%
None	02:00		Medium	German Retail Sales (MoM) (Dec)	0.1%	-0.1%
None	03:15		Medium	HCOB Spain Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	49.2	49.9
None	03:30		Medium	procure.ch Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	48.8	47.2
None	03:45		Medium	HCOB Italy Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	48.1	48.5
None	03:50		Medium	HCOB France Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	51.2	51.0
None	03:55		Medium	HCOB Germany Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	49.1	48.7
None	04:00		Medium	HCOB Eurozone Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	49.5	49.4
None	04:30		Medium	S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	51.8	51.6
None	09:45		High	S&P Global Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	52.4	51.9
None	10:00		Medium	ISM Manufacturing Employment (Jan)	48.1
None	10:00		High	ISM Manufacturing PMI (Jan)	52.6	48.5
None	10:00		High	ISM Manufacturing Prices (Jan)	59.0	59.3
None	11:30		Medium	Atlanta Fed GDPNow (Q4)		4.2%
None	12:30		Medium	FOMC Member Bostic Speaks
None	19:30		Medium	Building Approvals (MoM) (Dec)		-6.4%
None	22:30		High	RBA Interest Rate Decision (Feb)		3.85%
None	22:35		Medium	10-Year JGB Auction
None	23:30		Medium	RBA Monetary Policy Statement
None	23:30		Medium	RBA Rate Statement

On February 03, 2026, the Asian session featured several high-impact economic events that influenced market sentiment. Notably, the UK’s Nationwide House Price Index (HPI) for January showed a month-on-month increase of 0.3%, aligning with forecasts, while the year-on-year figure surpassed expectations at 1.0% compared to the forecast of 0.7%. This positive surprise may bolster confidence in the UK housing market, potentially supporting the GBP.

In the Eurozone, German Retail Sales for December reported a modest increase of 0.1%, defying a forecasted decline of -0.1%. This unexpected growth could signal resilience in consumer spending, positively impacting the euro. Conversely, several manufacturing PMIs from the Eurozone revealed mixed results. The HCOB Spain Manufacturing PMI fell short of expectations at 49.2 against a forecast of 49.9, while Italy’s PMI also underperformed at 48.1 versus 48.5. However, France and Germany reported better-than-expected figures, with France at 51.2 and Germany at 49.1, both exceeding forecasts.

The Swiss procure.ch Manufacturing PMI also surprised positively at 48.8, above the forecast of 47.2. Overall, the Eurozone Manufacturing PMI recorded a slight uptick at 49.5, slightly above expectations. These mixed results reflect ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector but suggest pockets of resilience, impacting market expectations for monetary policy and economic growth across the region.

In the cryptocurrency market, Bitcoin has seen a price increase of 1.32%, now trading at approximately $77,913. Ethereum rose by 2.82% to around $2,331, while XRP experienced a 2.53% gain, trading at $1.63. These movements are primarily driven by increased institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and market sentiment, reflecting a growing interest in digital assets globally.

Crypto	Price	Daily Change (%)
Bitcoin	77913.23	+1.32
Ethereum	2331.20	+2.82
XRP	1.63	+2.53

Disclaimer

The content on MarketsFN.com is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or trading guidance. All investments involve risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and should conduct independent research and consult a qualified financial advisor before acting. MarketsFN.com and its authors are not liable for any losses or damages arising from your use of this information.