Asian Markets Show Mixed Results Amid Tariff and AI Uncertainty

Asian stock markets experienced varied movements over several days in late February 2026, as investors responded to shifting trade policies, artificial intelligence developments, and regional geopolitical factors.

On February 24, 2026, trading in Asia reflected a mix of gains and losses following a sharp drop on Wall Street, which was attributed to heavy selling of companies considered vulnerable to disruption from artificial intelligence. The session was also influenced by recent US tariff announcements and ongoing concerns about global trade policy.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 index increased by about 0.9%, with chip-related companies contributing to the rise. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Kospi advanced roughly 1.8%, supported by strong performance from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. In contrast, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined by approximately 1.9%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped by around 0.1%. Taiwan’s Taiex index saw a gain of about 2.4%, while China’s mainland markets rebounded over 1% after reopening from a holiday.

What the numbers show

• On February 24, Nikkei 225 rose 0.9% and Kospi gained 1.8%
• Hang Seng Index fell 1.9% on the same day
• On February 20, Nikkei 225 dropped 1.2% and Kospi increased 2.2%
• Hang Seng Index climbed over 2% on February 23
• Hanwha Aerospace rose 8.6% on February 20

Earlier, on February 20, Asian shares also showed mixed results as markets assessed risks related to artificial intelligence investments and the potential for conflict between the United States and Iran. On that day, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell by about 1.2%, with notable declines in Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Toyota, and Sony. South Korea’s Kospi, however, rose approximately 2.2%, led by an 8.6% increase in Hanwha Aerospace, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index dropped 0.6%.

On February 23, Asian markets moved higher after the US Supreme Court invalidated a key element of President Trump’s tariff framework, which contributed to improved investor sentiment. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index gained more than 2%, and Seoul’s market reached a record high, again supported by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.

During the same period, US markets experienced declines and gold prices increased after President Trump announced a new 15 percent flat-rate tariff under the 1974 Trade Act. The announcement led to further uncertainty regarding US trade policy, which affected global markets, including those in Asia.

Oil prices rose throughout these sessions, influenced by ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The US dollar also strengthened against the yen during this period. Both the United States and Iran indicated readiness for conflict if nuclear negotiations did not succeed, adding to volatility in energy markets.

Overall, the combination of trade policy changes, developments in artificial intelligence, and geopolitical risks contributed to fluctuating performance across major Asian stock markets in late February 2026.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.