HONG KONG, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Asian markets gained on Tuesday, with Japanese shares jumping more than three percent on speculation over a snap election, as concerns about Iran pushed oil prices higher. Takaichi became Japan's first woman prime minister in October and her cabinet has an approval rating of around 70 percent. It would be "significant to have the foundation of the Takaichi administration solidified" in national polls, brokerage house Monex said. Hong Kong shares were up 1.5 percent and Shanghai gained 0.2 percent, while Seoul and Singapore both rose 0.5 percent. Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD, which last year overtook Elon Musk's Tesla to become the world's largest EV maker, jumped 4.5 percent in Hong Kong, along with other Chinese companies in the sector.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 13, 2026 03:19 UTC