Hong Kong — March 23, 2026
Asian stock markets witnessed a sharp sell-off on Monday, with major indices plunging across the region and eroding significant investor wealth amid weak global cues.
The widespread decline reflects growing uncertainty in global financial markets, as investors moved away from equities and shifted toward safer assets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped more than 4% to 51,280, leading losses among major Asian indices. South Korea’s Kospi saw the steepest fall, plunging over 6% in early trading.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 3.41% to close at 24,415, while Singapore’s Straits Times Index fell 2.20% to 4,839. Taiwan’s Weighted Index also slipped 2.65%, adding to the region-wide downturn.
Market participants attributed the sharp decline to weak global signals and a broad risk-off sentiment, prompting heavy selling across equities.
The sharp correction across Asian markets highlights rising volatility and investor caution, with global capital increasingly flowing toward safer financial instruments.
