Global Stocks See Mixed Performance Amid Easing Inflation Expectations

The global stock market showed mixed performance on August 14, 2026. Japan's Nikkei 225 index rose by 0.6% to 68,713.80, while South Korea's KOSPI jumped 2.4% to 6,977.94, extending its winning streak to five sessions.

The gains in Japan and South Korea were fueled by the decline in U.S. inflation data, which reduced expectations for interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. This led to a surge in technology and semiconductor stocks in these countries.

However, not all markets shared this optimism. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index fell 1% to 25,137.87, while China's Shanghai Composite declined 0.5% to 3,908.05. Australia's ASX 200 also moved lower due to pressure from mining stocks.

European markets ended Thursday slightly weaker, with the STOXX Europe 600 slipping 0.04%. The dollar remained under scrutiny following softer U.S. inflation readings, which can pressure the currency while improving the relative appeal of overseas equities.