Asia’s Trading Landscape: A Quiet Good Friday with Japan Leading the Charge

As the sun rose over Asia on Good Friday, many major markets hit the pause button, allowing a rare moment of calm in the trading world. With significant exchanges in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and India shut for the holiday, all eyes turned to Japan, where the Nikkei 225 index managed to inch forward, defying the regional lull.

Japan’s Resilience Shines Through

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index saw a modest increase of 0.6%, showcasing a resilient spirit amidst the holiday. This uptick was buoyed by newly released inflation statistics, revealing a headline inflation rate of 3.6% for March. This marks three consecutive years of inflation rates exceeding the Bank of Japan’s target of 2%, indicating persistent price pressures in the economy.

South Korea and China: Diverging Paths

In South Korea, the Kospi index experienced a slight rise, adding 0.4% to its value. Conversely, the situation in China was less favorable; the CSI 300 index dipped by 0.39%, reflecting a mixed sentiment in the market.

• Kospi (South Korea): +0.4%
• CSI 300 (China): -0.39%

A Quiet Day in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore

Trading floors in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore remained silent as these markets observed Good Friday. Traders in these regions are set to return to their desks next week, eager to resume activity.

India Observes Good Friday

India also joined the ranks of countries taking a break for Good Friday. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) were closed on April 18, halting all forms of trading, including equity, derivatives, currency, and commodities. This pause extended to specialized platforms such as Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) and Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR).

Resumption of Trading on April 21

Before the holiday, Indian markets showcased robust performance. On April 17, the Sensex surged 1,508.91 points or 1.96%, closing at 78,553.20. Meanwhile, the Nifty index finished at 23,851.65, marking a gain of 414.45 points or 1.77%.

US Markets Wrap Up a Mixed Week

Across the Pacific, U.S. stock markets concluded a holiday-shortened week with varied results. The S&P 500 managed a slight increase of 0.13%, closing at 5,282.70. However, the Nasdaq Composite experienced a minor decline of 0.13%, finishing at 16,286.45. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, faced a tougher day, dropping 1.33% or 527 points to settle at 39,142.23, weighed down by concerns over new tariffs and ongoing global trade tensions.

In summary, as Asia marked the Good Friday holiday, Japan’s modest gains stood out against a backdrop of market closures in several other countries. With trading set to resume next week, investors remain hopeful for continued momentum in the region’s markets.