Asian markets mixed, Hong Kong stocks jump 1.4%

August 17, 2026 (MLN): Asian markets opened mixed on Monday as investors weighed weaker-than-expected Japanese economic growth against gains in Chinese and Hong Kong equities, while Australia traded lower.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.4%, while the broader Topix slipped 0.11%. Japan’s economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.1% in the second quarter, falling short of market expectations for 2% growth, according to CNBC.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 declined 0.39%, while South Korean markets remained closed for a public holiday. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index climbed 1.4%, while mainland China’s CSI 300 edged up 0.13%.

U.S. stock futures were little changed in overnight trading. Dow Jones futures added 11 points, or 0.02%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively.

Wall Street ended last week on a positive note overall, with the S&P 500 extending its winning streak to three consecutive weeks and reaching fresh record highs.

Strong corporate earnings have supported investor sentiment, although concerns over Middle East tensions and elevated expectations surrounding artificial intelligence-related stocks remain in focus.

Investors are heading into a relatively light economic calendar this week, with the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes due Wednesday. Markets will also track corporate earnings, including results from Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart.

On the U.S. economic front, attention will turn to the August Empire State Manufacturing Index and the NAHB Housing Market Index, both of which are scheduled for release this week.

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