Asia report: Markets mixed as investors weigh China data and global rate outlook

14th Oct 2026 07:43

(Sharecast News) - Asian markets traded mixed on Wednesday as investors digested Chinese trade and inflation data, monitored rising energy prices and looked ahead to key US inflation figures for clues on the Federal Reserve's next move.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.1% to 67,848, supported by gains in semiconductor and AI-related stocks as investors returned to the technology sector following recent weakness.

In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng added 0.1% to 24,375, with technology shares providing most of the support, although broader gains were limited by caution over the global growth outlook.

Mainland Chinese equities underperformed, with the Shanghai Composite falling 0.8% to 3,769, despite stronger-than-expected trade figures. Investors remained focused on signs of softer domestic demand and moderating economic activity.

China's consumer inflation remained subdued in September even as factory-gate price pressures intensified, according to official data published on Wednesday.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed consumer prices rose 0.9% year-on-year, up from 0.8% in August but below expectations for a 1.0% increase.

Separately, China's trade data showed exports continued to outperform expectations in September, highlighting the resilience of external demand. Exports rose 36.3% year-on-year in US dollar terms, accelerating from August's 25.0% increase and comfortably ahead of forecasts for a 25.5% gain.

South Korean shares were slightly weaker, with the Kospi slipping 0.1% to 6,028.44. Gains among semiconductor heavyweights helped limit losses, but investors remained cautious ahead of US inflation data and following recent volatility in global technology stocks.

Taiwan's Taiex outperformed, climbing 0.6% to 48,626 as chipmakers and other AI-linked stocks continued to attract buying interest.

Australian stocks lagged regional peers, with the S&P/ASX 200 declining 0.64% to 8,727, weighed down by concerns over Chinese growth and the impact of higher energy prices on global markets.

Singapore's Straits Times Index edged 0.04% lower to 5,429, as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of further economic data releases and central bank commentary.

India's Nifty 50 was broadly unchanged at 22,716, with expectations of robust domestic economic growth helping to offset a more cautious international backdrop.

Technology shares remained a bright spot across the region, benefiting from continued optimism around AI-related investment and demand for semiconductors, although valuations remained a concern for some investors.

Analysts said attention was now turning to US inflation data and developments in the Middle East, with movements in oil prices and bond yields likely to remain key drivers of sentiment across Asian markets in the near term.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com