[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks begin higher following the positive handover from US and with South Korea outperforming amid tech strength on return from the Lunar New Year holidays

Asia-Pacific stocks are opening higher, buoyed by a positive performance in the US markets, indicating strong sentiment.

Newsquawk StaffPublished 19 Feb 2026, 00:21 UTCOn the live feed at 00:01 UTC — 3 more headlines followed before this page went public

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00:07

US President Trump posts that the US trade deficit has been reduced by 78% because of the tariffs being charged to other companies and countries, adds it will go into positive territory during this year for the first time in many decades

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US Southern Command Commander Donovan met with Venezuela's interim President Rodriguez and defence officials in Caracas

00:01

[MARKET UPDATE] Asia-Pac stocks begin higher following the positive handover from US and with South Korea outperforming amid tech strength on return from the Lunar New Year holidays

23:50

Japanese Foreign Bond Investment (Feb/14) -489.5 (Prev. -359.5, Rev. From -365.7)

23:50

Japanese Stock Investment by Foreigners (Feb/14) 1424.2 (Prev. 591.4, Rev. From 543.2)

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Context

South Korea is leading the gains, particularly in the tech sector, which may reflect pent-up demand following the Lunar New Year holidays. This could suggest that renewed investor confidence and sector-specific strength are fostering a favorable trading environment, warranting close monitoring for potential follow-through in other regions.

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