Asian markets showed mixed performance this week, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index down 0.5% while Singapore's Straits Times Index gained 0.3%. Global economic slowdown concerns and China's economic data were key influencing factors. Investors remain cautious about the pace of regional economic recovery.
KUALA LUMPUR, March 1, 2026 – Major Asian stock markets displayed mixed performances this week, reflecting investors' complex assessment of the global economic outlook. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 0.5% to 16,500 points, primarily influenced by weaker-than-expected economic data from China and persistent woes in its property sector. Concurrently, Singapore's Straits Times Index edged up 0.3% to 3,200 points, benefiting from its robust financial sector and stable domestic economy. US markets also closed flat on Friday, with the Dow Jones dipping 0.1% and the Nasdaq gaining 0.2%. Analysts noted that global inflationary pressures, the monetary policy trajectories of major central banks, and geopolitical tensions continue to pose challenges to regional market sentiment. Nevertheless, Southeast Asian markets, supported by resilient domestic demand, generally showed more stability.
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