Asian Indices Fall on AI-Equity Volatility; Hang Seng -1.8%, Nikkei 225 -1.2%

Asian stock markets opened lower Monday, Feb 15, 2026, as global risk-off sentiment driven by AI-equity volatility spread. The Hang Seng Composite fell 1.8% at 9:05 a.m. local time, while the Nikkei 225 dipped 1.2%. The Shanghai Composite was down 0.9% at the opening. The sell-off followed mixed U.S. earnings and heightened uncertainty around AI-related regulatory and earnings pressures. Investors are weighing whether earnings season will continue to support tech-heavy indices.