Shares fall in Japan, while most of Asia's markets are shut for the Lunar New Year holiday

February 17, 2026 - 06:16

Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell nearly 1% in Tuesday's session, a decline attributed to a catch-up reaction following the closure of U.S. markets for a national holiday the previous day. The drop contrasted sharply with an otherwise quiet trading day across much of Asia, where major financial hubs including China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan were shut for the Lunar New Year holiday.

The subdued activity extended to other asset classes. U.S. stock futures edged lower in early electronic trading, signaling a potential soft opening on Wall Street. Commodity markets presented a mixed picture, with oil prices fluctuating without a clear direction. Meanwhile, precious metals lost their luster, as both gold and silver prices retreated from recent levels.

Analysts suggest the Nikkei's pullback reflects a lack of fresh positive catalysts and some profit-taking after recent gains, amplified by the absence of directional cues from U.S. investors. With the holiday thinning regional participation, trading volumes were notably light, and the market's movements are viewed as limited in their broader significance until full activity resumes later in the week across the Asia-Pacific region.