Market Roundup 23 September 2026 - KAOHOON INTERNATIONAL

• Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday, marking their sixth consecutive session of gains. • Japan's Nikkei 225 increased by 1.38% and South Korea's KOSPI grew by 1.15%.

• The U.S. continues to lead the global private equity fundraising market while investors increasingly diversify their portfolios into Europe. • The Netherlands accounts for 15% of inward foreign direct investment positions among 16 reporting EU countries according to Eurostat data.

• BNP Paribas analyzed European savings and investment trends in September 2026 to determine their impact on economic competitiveness. • Eurostat data shows a wide gap in asset distribution, with cash and deposits making up over 50% of household assets in Poland but less than 15% in Denmark and Sweden.

• Major economies are releasing Flash PMIs, which are early indicators of economic activity, today. • Traders are monitoring these figures alongside potential updates regarding US-Iran developments.

• Indian benchmark indices erased their early gains today as selling in the IT sector outweighed positive global cues. • Brent crude oil prices fell below $100 to reach $99 following the restart of a Saudi pipeline.

• Wheat importers across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa are facing rising costs due to tightening supplies from the Black Sea region. • Supply disruptions in these key exporting areas are tightening global markets and increasing the risk of food inflation.

• Brent crude oil prices dropped below $100 in early Asian trading following reports of diplomatic progress between the US and Iran. • Donald Trump described recent discussions between US and Iranian representatives as "very productive" shortly after telling the UN he faced a decision to either reach a deal or "annihilate the Islamic Republic."

• Donald Trump addressed the United Nations on Tuesday regarding his approach to Iran. • Trump stated he faces a "big decision" between reaching a deal with Tehran or choosing to "annihilate" the country.

• Wall Street is transitioning to a 23x5 trading schedule, extending the hours that U.S. shares can be traded throughout the week. • Asian investors currently face a routine where the market opens at 9:30pm or 10:30pm (UTC+8) and closes at 5am.

• Asian stocks rose for a sixth consecutive session as investor demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology increased. • Gains were led by tech companies including Samsung and SK Hynix, while Taiwan's market also saw a boost.

• Asian stock markets showed mixed results on Wednesday as investors awaited a meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. • South Korea's KOSPI index rose 0.2% while Samsung Electronics shares increased by nearly 2%.