Asia markets rise despite weak U.S. retail data

February 11, 2026 (MLN): Asia markets traded mostly higher on Wednesday, extending their recent rally even as concerns over artificial intelligence valuations and softer U.S. economic data weighed on Wall Street overnight.

Regional markets remained cautiously optimistic despite signs of slowing consumer demand in the United States and persistent deflationary pressure in China.

In the U.S., December retail sales came in flat, missing economists’ expectations of a 0.4% month-on-month increase, according to a Dow Jones survey, according to CNBC.

The weaker-than-expected reading added to uncertainty around the strength of consumer spending, a key driver of the U.S. economy.

On Wall Street, the S&P 500 fell 0.33% while the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.59% amid renewed pressure on technology stocks linked to AI concerns.

In contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1% to close at a record 50,188.14, after notching its third consecutive intraday high and recently crossing the 50,000 milestone for the first time.

Meanwhile, investors in Asia were digesting fresh economic data from China.

The country’s consumer price index rose 0.2% year-on-year in January, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Despite these headwinds, major regional benchmarks posted gains. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 surged 1.43%, while South Korea’s Kospi advanced 0.6% for a third straight day of gains and the Kosdaq added 0.55%.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index edged up 0.13%, though mainland China’s CSI 300 slipped 0.26%. Japanese markets were closed for a public holiday.

Overall, Asia-Pacific equities showed resilience as investors balanced global economic concerns with continued market momentum.

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