Asian shares advance after weak US retail data weigh on Wall Street

February 11, 2026 - 06:41

Asian share markets moved higher on Thursday, finding support from renewed expectations for monetary policy easing in the United States. The shift in sentiment followed weaker-than-anticipated U.S. retail sales data, which suggested American consumer spending is cooling.

The disappointing figures from the world's largest economy led investors to increase bets that the Federal Reserve may need to cut interest rates later this year to provide stimulus. This prospect offset some of the recent concerns over persistent inflation and higher-for-longer borrowing costs. A less aggressive Fed stance tends to weaken the U.S. dollar and makes risk assets in emerging markets more attractive to global investors.

Regional benchmarks reflected the positive mood. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index advanced, closing the session in positive territory. The move higher was broad-based across the region, with other major indices in Japan, South Korea, and Australia also posting gains. Market participants are now closely awaiting further signals on the economic outlook and policy path from central bank officials in the coming weeks.