Shafaqna English– On Friday(14 Aug 2026), equity markets across Asia posted gains and are on track to register their most substantial weekly advance in the past two months. This upward momentum follows the release of milder-than-expected inflation figures from the U.S., which significantly weakened the case for an immediate interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve.
Nevertheless, the ongoing stalemate in ceasefire negotiations aimed at halting hostilities in the Middle East continues to cast a shadow over investor confidence, potentially capping any further risk-on appetite in the near term.
In terms of specific indices, MSCI’s comprehensive gauge for Asia-Pacific equities excluding Japan advanced by 0.28% on the day, putting it on track for a weekly climb of 2.7% — its most robust performance since the second week of June.
Meanwhile, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei index surged 1.5% higher in Friday’s trading session, with weekly gains now exceeding 5%, reflecting exceptionally strong buying interest in Tokyo’s equity market.