Asian Markets Trade Mostly Higher | 17.09.26

• Chip stocks in South Korea and Taiwan rose up to 1.1% as investors prepared for an upcoming Federal Reserve interest-rate decision. • Markets priced in a more than 90% probability that the Federal Reserve will implement a 25 basis point hike.

• Stock markets in South Korea and Taiwan rose 1.4% and 0.7% respectively as investors focused on AI-related memory chips. • Gains were supported by a weaker won, which increases local-currency earnings for major exporters like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

• Indian stocks are expected to open cautiously on Wednesday following mixed performance across Asian markets. • The MSCI Asia-Pacific index outside Japan rose 0.2%, while Japan's Nikkei fell 0.14% and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.064%.

• The Nikkei 225 closed nearly flat at 63,484.10 on Tuesday as gains in AI stocks balanced out concerns over high oil prices and upcoming Bank of Japan rate decisions. • Guangzhou Auto shares surged 16% in Hong Kong on Monday following the announcement of a joint asset deal with FAW Group.

• Asian markets traded with mixed results on September 16, 2026, as investors awaited the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest-rate decision. • Traders have already heavily priced in a 25-basis point interest rate hike, making the Fed's forward guidance and "dot plot" projections the primary drivers for market movement.

• Seoul bus drivers called off a planned strike on September 16, 2026, after reaching a settlement with management. • The agreement was finalized at 1:50 a.m. and included a resolution regarding driver wages.

• Alphabet Inc. shares rose 0.33% to $346.13 as the company pursued a $1.5 billion AI acquisition and reported strong growth. • The company achieved $9.11 in earnings per share for Q2 2026 and saw Google Cloud revenue surge 82% year-over-year.

• The Nikkei 225 closed nearly flat at 63,484.10 on Tuesday as gains in AI stocks balanced out higher oil prices and caution regarding the Bank of Japan. • Guangzhou Auto shares surged 16% in Hong Kong on Monday following a joint asset deal with FAW Group.

• Asian stock markets mostly rose on Tuesday as investors prepared for the Federal Reserve's upcoming decision on interest rates. • South Korea’s Kospi index climbed 1.3% to 6,711.62, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index increased 0.1% to 24,700.62.

• The KOSPI index rose 1.37% to close at 6,717.97 on September 16, ending a four-day decline. • Institutional investors bought a net 1.2 trillion won in shares, offsetting 1.6 trillion won in selling by foreign investors.

• MarketsMOJO assigned a Strong Sell rating to Asian Hotels (West) Ltd on September 15, 2026. • The rating is based on an analysis of the company's fundamentals, valuation, and financial trends as of September 16, 2026.