Asian Markets Rally to Start 2026 Following Strong Annual Gains in 2025

Asian markets rallied to start the 2026 trading year on Friday following a robust performance for global stock indexes in 2025.Hong Kong's Hang Seng index jumped over 2 percent as technology firms like Baidu announced plans to spin off their AI chip units for future listings.Regional optimism remains high due to resilient trade and the pause of global tariffs previously initiated by Donald Trump.