Asian stock markets traded mixed on Monday, caught between a sharp sell-off in semiconductor stocks and positive overnight momentum from Wall Street. The benchmark KOSPI fell 4.89% to around 6,300, dragged down by massive sell-offs in semiconductor giants SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, which both dropped more than 7%. Japan's Nikkei fell 1.16% toward 63,000, while the broader Topix Index declined 2.5% to 3,902. China's Shanghai Composite fell 0.77% to 3,813, and the Shenzhen Component declined 0.8% to 13,467, as weak manufacturing data overshadowed fresh policy support signals from Beijing. The People’s Bank of China said in a statement on Sunday that it will continue monetary support in the second half of 2026, pledging to maintain ample liquidity and adjust policy tools as needed. Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 0.05% to 25,978, and India's Sensex rose 0.78% to 78,661, extending gains for a fourth straight session and reaching its highest level since April 21. Australia's ASX 200 rose 0.16% to 8,950. In commodities, crude oil dropped more than 5% to below $80 per barrel after President Donald Trump confirmed peace talks with Iran would resume, while gold climbed above $4,050 an ounce.
SK Hynix IncSemiconductor sell-off drags SK Hynix down over 7%.
Samsung Electronics Co LtdSemiconductor sell-off drags Samsung Electronics down over 7%.
HSBC Holdings PLCPBOC pledges continued monetary support, likely keeping yields low.