Markets Today: the Asian close, 31 August 2026
The Asian trading day in one place: 6 stories across currencies, central banks, equities and deals, collected at the close.
The close
India's MCX Gold, Silver Rise; Oil Falls Ahead of US PCE Data: Indian gold and silver futures moved higher on Wednesday. This followed a decline in crude oil prices and a weaker US dollar. Markets now await key US inflation data.
Central banks & currencies
Dollar Holds Eight-Day High as US Inflation Fuels Fed Hike Bets; BOJ Signals Eyed: The US dollar maintained its strongest level in over a week after US inflation data boosted expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate increase. Markets also await signals from the Bank of Japan regarding a potential September rate hike.
Bank of Korea Lifts Rate to 3 Percent Amid Inflation, Strong Growth: The Bank of Korea increased its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3 percent on Thursday. This marks a second consecutive hike, driven by persistent inflation and better-than-expected economic expansion.
Stocks & bonds
Choice Broking's Sumeet Bagadia Details Cautiously Positive Nifty 50 Outlook: Sumeet Bagadia of Choice Broking holds a cautiously positive near-term view for India's Nifty 50 index. He cites improving buying interest and a strengthened technical setup. Bagadia also provided buy recommendations for five Indian stocks.
Seoul KOSPI Rebounds Tuesday, Investors Eye US Tech Earnings: Seoul’s KOSPI index closed higher on Tuesday, recovering initial losses. Investors are monitoring upcoming corporate earnings from US tech firms, including Nvidia, despite a weaker Korean won and foreign investor outflows.
IPO & deals
SK Innovation Reabsorbs SKIET for Battery Separator Stability: SK Innovation will absorb its battery separator subsidiary, SK IE Technology (SKIET), bringing the unit back under direct control. This merger reverses a 2019 spinoff, targeting financial stability and operational streamlining for the struggling business.
Every item above was reported and checked separately today; this wrap collects them in one place at the Asian close. Follow any headline through to the full story for the figures and their sources. The Brief carries the same day in five minutes tomorrow morning.
This article is journalism, not investment advice; consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions. Market data is indicative, may be delayed, and should be verified with your broker or exchange before use.
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