Asian Markets Today Trade Higher as Kospi Jumps 6 Percent, Hang Seng and Taiwan Weighted Gain 1 Percent Each on 15 July 2026

Asian markets today are trading broadly higher on Wednesday after a surprise slowdown in United States inflation scaled back market expectations for further interest rate hikes, while crude oil took a breather as the United States scrapped a proposed plan to levy shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Key Movers in Asian markets today

Index	LTP	Change	Change %
Nikkei 225	68,365.00	+621.50	+0.92%
Straits Times	5,523.95	+28.34	+0.51%
Hang Seng	24,616.00	+275.27	+1.13%
Taiwan Weighted	45,383.14	+645.19	+1.42%
Kospi	7,331.66	+474.83	+6.48%
SET Composite	1,626.03	0.00	0.00%
Jakarta Composite	6,039.52	+1.68	+0.03%
Shanghai Composite	3,974.02	+6.89	+0.17%

The standout mover in the region is South Korea's Kospi, which surged 6.48 percent to 7,331.66, its sharpest single day gain in recent memory, as the index rallied from an early low of 7,082.91 to touch a high of 7,355.08. Japan's Nikkei 225 advanced 0.92 percent to 68,365.00, while Singapore's Straits Times index added 0.51 percent to 5,523.95.

Greater China and Southeast Asian Markets

Hong Kong's Hang Seng gained 1.13 percent to 24,616.00 and Taiwan's Taiwan Weighted index rose 1.42 percent to 45,383.14, both extending the region wide rally. Mainland China's Shanghai Composite added a more modest 0.17 percent to 3,974.02, while Indonesia's Jakarta Composite edged up 0.03 percent to 6,039.52. Thailand's SET Composite was flat at 1,626.03, reflecting its previous session close.

The broad based regional strength comes on the back of two supportive developments. First, cooler than expected US inflation data has reduced the odds of an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike, encouraging risk taking across regional equity markets. Second, oil prices eased in relief after the United States scrapped its proposed plan to levy shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears of a broader disruption to regional trade flows.

Read Through of Asian markets today for the Indian Market

A positive session across Asian markets today is typically read as a favourable overnight cue for Indian benchmarks such as the Nifty 50 and Sensex at the opening bell, since regional risk sentiment often spills over into GIFT Nifty futures ahead of the domestic market open. However, Indian indices will also weigh domestic triggers including ongoing Q1 FY27 earnings and crude oil price trends before confirming the direction for the session.

Conclusion

Asian markets today are broadly higher, led by a sharp 6.48 percent surge in the Kospi, as softer US inflation data and an easing crude oil outlook lift regional risk appetite. Traders tracking the Nifty 50 and Sensex should watch the GIFT Nifty signal at the open and consult a SEBI-registered investment advisor before making trading decisions based on these global cues.

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FAQs

How are Asian markets today performing?

Ans. Asian markets today are trading broadly higher, led by a 6.48 percent surge in South Korea's Kospi to 7,331.66, while the Nikkei 225, Hang Seng and Taiwan Weighted indices also posted solid gains after softer US inflation data.

Why did the Kospi jump 6 percent in Asian markets today?

Ans. The Kospi's sharp 6.48 percent rally in Asian markets today came alongside broader regional gains driven by reduced expectations of a near term US Federal Reserve rate hike and an easing crude oil price outlook.

How is the Nikkei 225 trading in Asian markets today?

Ans. The Nikkei 225 gained 0.92 percent to 68,365.00 in Asian markets today, supported by the same softer US inflation backdrop lifting sentiment across the region.

What is driving the broader rally across Asian markets today?

Ans. Two factors are driving Asian markets today, a surprise slowdown in US inflation data that scaled back Federal Reserve rate hike expectations, and crude oil easing after the US scrapped a proposed shipping levy through the Strait of Hormuz.

How did the Shanghai Composite and Jakarta Composite perform?

Ans. The Shanghai Composite added 0.17 percent to 3,974.02 and the Jakarta Composite edged up 0.03 percent to 6,039.52, both more muted gains compared to the sharp Kospi rally within Asian markets today.

What does a positive session in Asian markets today mean for Indian indices?

Ans. A positive session across Asian markets today is generally read as a supportive overnight cue for the Nifty 50 and Sensex, though Indian indices also weigh domestic triggers like Q1 FY27 earnings before confirming direction.