Asia Markets Open: Bitcoin Holds $89K as Thin Trade Lifts Stocks, Silver Outshines

Asian equity markets advanced cautiously on December 26, 2025, amid holiday-thinned trading volumes following Boxing Day closures in several regions. With markets in Australia, Hong Kong, and much of Europe shut, liquidity remained low, but open exchanges posted modest gains driven by year-end optimism and bargain hunting.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 0.68% to close at 50,750.39, buoyed by tech stocks like SoftBank and Advantest. The broader Topix rose 0.15%, reaching a record high in some measures. South Korea’s KOSPI gained around 0.6%, capping a stellar year with 72% annual returns—the world’s best-performing major index. China’s blue-chip stocks edged up 0.27%, positioning for an 18% yearly gain.

The subdued session reflected reduced participation, yet regional benchmarks extended a six-session rally, supported by a weaker yen and positive Wall Street cues from earlier in the week.

In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin held steady near $89,000 (trading around $88,700–$89,200), showing resilience amid low holiday liquidity and anticipation of a record $23–27 billion options expiry. Traders noted range-bound action between $85,000–$90,000 throughout December, with potential volatility post-expiry.

Commodities stole the spotlight, as silver surged over 4% to a fresh all-time high above $75 per ounce—the first breach of this level—fueled by industrial demand, supply deficits, rate-cut bets, and safe-haven flows. Gold also hit records near $4,530, while platinum advanced.

Analysts attribute the precious metals rally to geopolitical tensions, a softer dollar, and structural tightness, with silver up 158% year-to-date, far outpacing gold’s gains.

Overall, thin post-holiday trade kept movements contained, but selective risk appetite in equities and metals signaled cautious optimism heading into 2026.