Asian Markets Start the Week Mixed Amid AI Gains and Cautious Sentiment

 

Asian markets displayed mixed performance on Monday, February 10, with mainland China and Hong Kong posting solid gains, driven by AI-related stocks, while Japan remained cautious, and South Korea ended almost flat. Investor sentiment was shaped by ongoing developments in AI technology and concerns over potential U.S. tariff announcements.

 

In China’s mainland market, A-shares rose across the board, fueled by enthusiasm for AI computing power and applications. The Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.56% to close at 3,322.17 points. AI and technology sectors led the rally, with significant buying interest in stocks linked to cutting-edge innovations.

 

Hong Kong gains led by tech giants.The Hang Seng Index surged 1.84%, closing at 22,325.41 points, while the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 2.65%. Major tech stocks contributed significantly to the rally. Alibaba-W rose 5.5%, Meituan-W climbed 5.58%, and Tencent Holdings added 2.06%. Chipmaker SMIC gained 2.47%, while Xiaomi-W was up 3.06%, reflecting renewed confidence in the tech sector.

 

The Tokyo market opened lower following losses on Wall Street last week, as investors digested news of a potential U.S. "reciprocal tariff" plan. However, the Nikkei 225 Futures recovered from early selling pressure to remain steady, with Nikkei Volatility Index (Nikkei VI) closing at 21.75, up 0.28% from the previous day. Despite initial jitters, cautious sentiment did not fully take hold. 

 

In other regional Markets. South Korea’s KOSPI index dipped slightly, down 0.03% to 2,521.27 points, with foreign investors largely on the sidelines. In Southeast Asia, Singapore’s Straits Times Index rose 0.51% to 3,880.93 points, while India’s S&P BSE Sensex lost 0.78%, closing at 77,251.55 points. Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index fell 1.64% to 6,631.81 points, reflecting broader regional caution.