MSCI Asia Pacific gained 0.2% on Monday, 21 September, as traders priced in a potential uptick in US‑China trade relations. Trading volumes were lower than usual, driven by Japan’s three‑day holiday, and the GIFT Nifty signalled a muted start to the day.
South Korea’s Kospi led the region, up 0.83%, outpacing the broader index, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng futures slipped 0.2%, hinting at a softer opening for the city.
Global sentiment mirrored the Asia move: S&P 500 contracts edged up 0.3% and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.4% after Friday’s close, as investors kept a close eye on the US‑China summit.
Oil markets trended in the opposite direction, with Brent crude falling 0.3% to $103.50 before settling near $102.43 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate sliding 0.5% to $99.79. The decline marked the fourth consecutive day of losses, even as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz showed a six‑month high.
Analysts note that the upcoming summit could tilt market sentiment further; if talks yield tangible gains, Asian equities may rally more sharply. Oil could rebound if demand picks up, but current supply‑demand dynamics keep prices near the low‑$100s. Market liquidity remains thin until the Japanese markets reopen on Thursday, 24 September, leaving traders to navigate a cautious week.