# Asian Markets Close Mixed as Tokyo Stocks Snap Winning Streak

# Asian Markets Close Mixed as Tokyo Stocks Snap Winning Streak

**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

## Market Commentary at Asian Session Close

**Asian Market Summary – Close of Session**

**Japan:** The Nikkei 225 closed down 0.25% at 44,790.38, snapping a four-day winning streak as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s policy meeting. Market sentiment was influenced by uncertainty regarding potential interest rate cuts, leading to a sell-off in technology and export-oriented stocks.

**China:** The Shanghai Composite gained 0.37% to close at 3,876.34, buoyed by a strengthening offshore yuan, which traded at 7.0999 against the U.S. dollar, its strongest level since November. This movement was driven by expectations of an interest rate cut from the Fed. The Shenzhen Component also rose 1.16%, reflecting investor optimism amid a projected surge in travel bookings for the upcoming “golden week” holiday, which is expected to bolster consumer spending.

**Hong Kong:** The Hang Seng Index surged 1.78% to 26,908.39, supported by a positive outlook from Chief Executive John Lee’s policy address, which emphasized reforms aimed at improving economic conditions and livelihoods. The market reacted favorably to these proposals, despite ongoing challenges.

**South Korea:** The KOSPI fell 1.05% to 3,413.40, reflecting broader regional trends and concerns regarding the government’s push for “mutual growth” in the financial sector, which may impose additional burdens on banks. The ruling party’s emphasis on social responsibility and lower interest rates for low-income borrowers has raised skepticism about future profitability in the banking sector.

**Singapore:** The Straits Times Index decreased by 0.32% to 4,323.78, as investors weighed the implications of new insurance products launched by Singlife and Circles Group aimed at SMEs. While this initiative is seen as a positive step for small businesses, broader market sentiment remains cautious due to external economic pressures.

**Australia:** The S&P/ASX 200 closed down 0.67% at 8,818.50, reflecting negative sentiment following declines in commodity prices and mixed corporate earnings reports. Investors are closely monitoring global economic indicators and central bank policies.

**India:** The NIFTY 50 closed up 0.36% at 25,330.25, supported by strong domestic demand and a resilient economic outlook, despite global headwinds.

**Commodities and Crypto:** Commodities experienced volatility, with oil prices fluctuating

## FX, Commodities, and Crypto Performance

At the close of the Asian session, the FX market exhibited mixed performance. The USD/JPY and USD/CNY saw slight declines of -0.07% and -0.14%, respectively, reflecting cautious sentiment. Conversely, the USD/NZD gained 0.23%, indicating stronger demand for the New Zealand dollar. Commodities experienced downward pressure, with gold and crude oil both declining by approximately -0.67% and -0.68%, respectively, amid bearish market sentiment. In the cryptocurrency sector, Bitcoin and Ethereum recorded minor losses of -0.26% and -0.23%, respectively, suggesting a consolidation phase as investors remain wary of market volatility. Overall, market sentiment appears subdued.

**FX Pairs**

**Commodities**

**Cryptocurrencies**

## 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.

On September 16, 2025, key economic data from Japan influenced market sentiment and currency movements during the Asian session. The Adjusted Trade Balance reported a deficit of ¥0.15 trillion, significantly better than the forecasted deficit of ¥0.37 trillion. Additionally, year-on-year Exports for August showed a decline of 0.1%, which was notably less severe than the anticipated drop of 1.9%. The Trade Balance for August also exceeded expectations, recording a deficit of ¥242.5 billion compared to the forecasted ¥513.6 billion.

These positive surprises in Japan’s trade data led to a strengthening of the Japanese Yen (JPY) against major currencies, as investors reacted favorably to the better-than-expected trade figures. The JPY appreciated as market participants reassessed growth prospects and trade conditions in Japan. The overall sentiment in Asian markets remained cautious, but the JPY’s performance reflected a degree of optimism regarding Japan’s export sector, which is crucial for its economic recovery. As the session closed, the JPY showed resilience, closing higher against the US dollar and other major currencies.

## What to Watch Next

– Follow-through from today’s regional macro data and policy announcements.
– Company earnings or updates impacting large-cap indices.
– Overnight cues from US and European market sessions.
– Early indications from China and Hong Kong markets at tomorrow’s open.
– Currency trends in USD/JPY and USD/CNY influencing equities.
– Geopolitical developments affecting market sentiment.