# Asian Market Close: Indices Reflect Mixed Performance Amid Positive Tourism Developments and Economic Optimism
**Note**: This analysis is generated at the close of the Asian session, focusing on end-of-day performance in Asian markets. Event times are in US Eastern Time.
The Asian session concluded with mixed performances across major indices, reflecting varied market sentiment. Shanghai Composite led gains, while TAIEX lagged, driven by regional economic data and global cues.
## Asian Indices Performance at Close
| Index | Price | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Composite | 3807.29 | -0.51 |
| Nikkei 225 | 43459.29 | -0.42 |
| Hang Seng Index | 25938.13 | 1.19 |
| Shenzhen Component | 12510.60 | -1.23 |
| KOSPI | 3260.05 | 1.26 |
| S&P/ASX 200 | 8803.50 | -0.52 |
| NIFTY 50 | 24868.60 | 0.39 |
| Straits Times Index | 4297.57 | -0.25 |
| S&P/NZX 50 | 13253.73 | -0.21 |
| Thailand SET Index | 1276.08 | 0.79 |
| FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI | 1586.81 | 0.08 |
| TAIEX | 24855.18 | 1.25 |
## Market Commentary at Asian Session Close
At the close of the Asian session today, market sentiment was mixed across major indices, with notable fluctuations driven by regional economic developments and corporate news.
**China** witnessed a decline in its key indices, with the Shanghai Composite falling by 0.51% to 3,807.29, and the Shenzhen Component down 1.23% to 12,510.60. This was partly influenced by the introduction of an instant tax refund service for tourists via overseas e-wallets in Shenzhen, aimed at boosting inbound tourism. However, the overall market reaction was subdued, reflecting broader economic concerns. The anticipated upgrade of the China-Asean free trade agreement also loomed, as officials emphasized the need for closer economic ties amid shifting global supply chains.
**Hong Kong’s** Hang Seng Index closed up 1.19% at 25,938.13, buoyed by optimism expressed by business leaders about the local economy. Jeffrey Lam Kin-fung highlighted the potential for economic recovery and urged the government to implement supportive measures in the upcoming policy address, noting a “light at the end of the tunnel.”
In **South Korea**, the KOSPI rose 1.26% to 3,260.05, driven by positive sentiment surrounding the nomination of Park Sang-jin as the new head of the Korea Development Bank, which is expected to bolster government initiatives in supporting high-tech industries. Additionally, discussions around the potential launch of a fourth internet-only bank were overshadowed by concerns regarding governmental restructuring, which may delay regulatory approvals.
**Australia’s** S&P/ASX 200 fell by 0.52% to 8,803.50, reflecting ongoing challenges as ANZ announced plans to cut 3,500 jobs in a major overhaul aimed at simplifying operations. This significant restructuring raised concerns about the bank’s future performance in a competitive environment.
**Singapore** showed a mixed performance, with the Straits Times Index down 0.25% to 4,297.57. The market reacted to corporate developments, including B. Riley’s decision to change auditors amid reporting delays, which could impact investor confidence.
In the **cryptocurrency sector**, Sygnum’s integration with Bybit, the world’s second-largest crypto exchange, was a highlight, indicating a growing institutional interest in secure trading and custody solutions. This partnership underscores the resilience and evolving landscape of digital assets.
Overall, the Asian markets displayed a blend of optimism and caution, with late-session volatility influenced by corporate
## FX, Commodities, and Crypto Performance
At the close of the Asian session, the FX market displayed mixed sentiment. The USD/JPY declined by 0.53%, reflecting a stronger yen amid cautious investor sentiment. The AUD/USD gained 0.30%, supported by positive risk appetite, while USD/INR rose by 0.25%. In commodities, gold increased by 0.35% to $3,690.20, and crude oil advanced 0.87% to $62.80, buoyed by ongoing supply concerns. In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin and Ethereum saw modest gains of 0.44% and 1.00%, respectively, indicating a resilient market amid fluctuating investor confidence. Overall, the market exhibited cautious optimism across various asset classes.
**FX Pairs**
| Currency Pair | Price | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| USD/JPY | 146.73 | -0.53 |
| USD/CNY | 7.12 | -0.10 |
| USD/SGD | 1.28 | -0.12 |
| AUD/USD | 0.66 | 0.30 |
| USD/NZD | 1.68 | -0.17 |
| USD/INR | 88.16 | 0.25 |
**Commodities**
| Commodity | Price | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold December | 3690.20 | 0.35 |
| Crude Oil December | 62.80 | 0.87 |
**Cryptocurrencies**
| Crypto | Price | Daily Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | 112545.03 | 0.44 |
| Ethereum | 4349.83 | 1.00 |
## Economic Events During Asian Session
The following table lists medium to high-importance economic events from Asian countries that occurred during the Asian session (yesterday 17:00 to today 03:30 ET), impacting market close.
| Date | Time | Cur | Imp | Event | Actual | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-08 | 21:30 | 🇨🇳 | Medium | CPI (MoM) (Aug) | 0.1% | |
| 2025-09-08 | 21:30 | 🇨🇳 | Medium | CPI (YoY) (Aug) | -0.2% | |
| 2025-09-08 | 21:30 | 🇨🇳 | Medium | PPI (YoY) (Aug) | -2.9% |
During the Asian session from September 8, 2025, significant economic data releases from China influenced market sentiment and currency movements. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for August showed a month-over-month increase forecasted at 0.1%, while the year-over-year CPI was anticipated to decline by 0.2%. Additionally, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for August was projected to decrease by 2.9% year-over-year. These figures indicate persistent deflationary pressures in the Chinese economy, likely impacting investor confidence.
As the data was released at 21:30 US Eastern Time, the Chinese Yuan (CNY) exhibited volatility, reflecting market apprehension regarding China’s economic recovery. The market’s reaction was cautious, with the CNY potentially weakening against major currencies as investors digested the implications of the weaker-than-expected inflation data.
At the close of the Asian session, the CNY showed signs of depreciation, contributing to a broader risk-off sentiment in regional markets. Investors are likely to continue monitoring these trends closely, as they may influence monetary policy discussions and economic strategies in China and across the Asia-Pacific region.
