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Daily Summary

Asia & Pacific Edition

October 27, 2026 at 5:30 AM ET

Markets Recap for October 26, 2026

Japan Backs Solar Cells with $640M Subsidy Amid Market Turmoil

What's in the markets today?

Japan's government announced a $640 million subsidy to ramp up domestic perovskite solar cell manufacturing, aiming to strengthen national competitiveness in renewable energy technologies and reduce reliance on imported semiconductors. The Nikkei 225 declined 0.80%, with the tech sector under pressure as investors recalibrated positions in response to this major industrial policy signal and a rotation away from select growth names. Japan's Coincident Index fell to 118.8 from a revised 120.6, signaling a pullback in current activity, while the Leading Economic Index rose to 118.0 from 117.6, signaling a slight improvement in the outlook. MakeMyTrip Limited beat expectations by reporting quarterly earnings per share of $0.41, providing a bright spot for India’s travel and tech sector equities. China’s markets continued to adjust as last week’s unwinding of the AI stock rally led investors to reassess technology sector valuations and cross-border capital flows across the region.

Benchmark Moves

The Nikkei 225 fell 0.80% to 62,189.43 as Japan announced a $640M subsidy for solar cell mass production, aiming to boost domestic supply chains. This policy move created a rotation in tech stocks, which lagged due to expectations of higher input costs and supply shifts. WTI crude oil dropped 1.46% to $101.76, easing some pressure on inflation-sensitive sectors and offering relief for manufacturers facing global energy expenses. The combination of targeted subsidies and lower oil prices points to a rebalancing of costs and sector leadership across assets.

Nikkei 225
N225
Nikkei 225
62,189.43
-503.51-0.80%
TOPIX
TOPX
TOPIX
3,972.98
+7.17+0.18%
Hang Seng Index
HSI
Hang Seng Index
23,211.81
+118.44+0.51%
CSI 300
CSI300
CSI 300
4,103.54
-1.79-0.04%
KOSPI
KS11
KOSPI
5,469.47
-80.83-1.46%

Market data as of Oct 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Toyota
TM
Toyota
197.64
+0.85+0.43%
Alibaba
BABA
Alibaba
100.25
+0.61+0.61%
Sony
SONY
Sony
26.03
-0.05-0.19%
Samsung Electronics
005930.KS
Samsung Electronics
213,000.00
-2,500.00-1.16%
Tencent
TCEHY
Tencent
49.15
-0.26-0.53%

Market data as of Oct 26, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

Commodities & Crypto

Detailed View →
Gold
GC
Gold
4,038.40
+30.50+0.76%
Silver
SI
Silver
54.34
+0.39+0.73%
WTI Crude Oil
CL
WTI Crude Oil
101.76
-1.51-1.46%
Natural Gas
NG
Natural Gas
2.60
-0.04-1.44%
Bitcoin
BTCUSDT
Bitcoin
79,886.15
-264.41-0.33%

Market data as of Oct 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

Key Financial Reports

MakeMyTrip Limited (MMYT) reported adjusted EPS of $0.47, in line with consensus expectations. The company posted strong gross bookings growth and resilient domestic and corporate travel demand, according to its earnings call. Management said its longer-term view for India remains unchanged, but noted the need for careful execution in the near term given ongoing macro headwinds. With only this single company reporting today, there is limited read-through for the broader Asia travel sector.

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

Detailed View →
MakeMyTrip Limited
MMYT
MakeMyTrip Limited
Actual
0.41
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-
Scienjoy Holding Corporation
SJ
Scienjoy Holding Corporation
Actual
0.04
Estimate
-
Surprise
-
Previous
-

EPS reported on October 26, 2026 ET. Figures use each company's reported basis.

Key Macroeconomic Reports

Japan's Coincident Index fell to 118.8, down from a revised 120.6, signaling a pullback in current activity. At the same time, the Leading Economic Index rose to 118.0 from 117.6, indicating a slight improvement in expectations. This combination suggests a modestly shifting economic environment. As these indicators align, market participants may tighten their focus on sectors impacted by industrial policy shifts.

Macroeconomic Data

Detailed View →
JP
JP | Leading Economic Index
01:00
Actual
118.00
Forecast
118.00
Previous
117.60
JP
JP | Coincident Index
01:00
Actual
118.80
Forecast
-
Previous
120.60

Macroeconomic data released on October 26, 2026 ET.

Top Stories

A quick look at the five stories that shaped today's market sentiment. Explained with brief context highlighting why each story mattered today.

Trading halted in Brazil as stocks sink following Lula reelection

Brazil's stock exchange halted trading for 30 minutes after the benchmark Ibovespa index dropped 10% following the reelection of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The real weakened by about 12% against the U.S. dollar, while Bovespa stock index futures fell nearly 15%. The selloff affected Brazil's international bonds, particularly longer-dated debt, which dropped nearly 3 cents. The Treasury also canceled upcoming bond auctions as investor sentiment shifted sharply after Lula's victory.

Source: Nikkei Asia

David Jones is minutes from midnight as directors ponder solvency

David Jones, the 188-year-old department store, is facing severe financial distress as its directors consider its solvency. Many key brands associated with the retailer are reducing supply or exiting the market. British special situations investor Hilco Global has engaged restructuring advisers in anticipation of potential failure. Under Jere Calmes, the group has recently turned a profit, but it faces significant challenges in a competitive retail environment.

Source: Australian Financial Review

SoftBank reportedly plans $50 billion tech investment in aspiring 'AI nation' Malaysia

SoftBank Group plans to invest $50 billion in Malaysia, focusing on artificial intelligence and new technologies, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The investments will target Kuching, Sarawak, and peninsular Malaysia as part of the country's goal to become an 'AI nation' by 2030. Earlier this year, Malaysia launched a national AI action plan to enhance its capabilities. This follows significant tech investments in the country, including Google's $2 billion data center project.

Source: CNBC — Asia Pacific

Bonds and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire are flashing a warning to markets

Investors are becoming more defensive as a notable shift occurs in global markets. The US 10-year Treasury yield, a key market indicator, rose from 4% in March to 5.3% earlier this month, increasing borrowing costs worldwide. However, in recent weeks, the yield has decreased, finishing last week just below 5%. This change may signal a significant market adjustment that could impact various sectors and borrowing dynamics.

Source: Australian Financial Review

Spy chief warns legacy tech leaves business exposed to cyberattacks

Australia's spy chief has warned that outdated technology is making businesses and government entities vulnerable to cyberattacks, especially from state-sponsored actors. The rise of artificial intelligence is increasing the frequency and costs associated with these attacks. Organizations are urged to address security gaps in their legacy systems to protect against potential disruptions. The sophistication of cyber threats necessitates urgent action to enhance cybersecurity measures.

Source: Australian Financial Review

Other Headlines

Australian Financial ReviewOct 26, 2026

Here’s how investors are hedging the US midterm elections

Nikkei AsiaOct 26, 2026

Japan to back perovskite solar cell mass production with $640m in subsidies

Australian Financial ReviewOct 26, 2026

Retirement wave threatens super’s role as shock absorber: regulators

Nikkei AsiaOct 25, 2026

AI stock falls are sore spot for China's self-reliance strategy

Australian Financial ReviewOct 26, 2026

Energy fears grow as developers exit Labor’s flagship green scheme

Nikkei AsiaOct 26, 2026

Japan's Subaru to go EV-only in Europe by 2028

Australian Financial ReviewOct 25, 2026

Pro Medicus chief says contract wins show it’s future-fit for AI era

FT Asia PacificOct 26, 2026

Singapore to store Saudi Arabian oil in caverns

Australian Financial ReviewOct 26, 2026

NAB is hiring in India and Vietnam even as it slashes Australian staff

Australian Financial ReviewOct 26, 2026

Corporate Travel’s battered investors rewarded with 45pc bounce

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