Asian Markets Mixed as Nikkei Hits Record, Oil Rises on Iran Tensions
Investors weigh strong Wall Street cues against geopolitical uncertainty ahead of central bank decisions
نظرة سريعة
- Asian markets traded mixed Monday with Japan's Nikkei 225 surging 1.4% to a new record high of 60,564.18, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 2.1% and Taiwan's Taiex rallied 2.6%.
- Oil prices climbed on stalled US-Iran peace talks and continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude rising above $100.
- Markets drew support from record Wall Street closes, including Intel's 23.6% surge, but remain cautious ahead of central bank decisions from the Fed, ECB, Bank of Japan and Bank of England.
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Asian markets have been riding a wave of tech-driven optimism, particularly from the AI boom, while simultaneously navigating geopolitical headwinds from Middle East tensions affecting oil supplies. The S&P 500 has gained nearly 13% in under a month, creating a positive backdrop for Asian markets despite regional divergences.
Asian markets traded mixed on Monday, with Japan's benchmark index scaling fresh highs, as investors balanced strong cues from Wall Street against rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty. Japan's Nikkei 225 surged 1.4% to 60,564.18, hitting a new intraday record, while South Korea's Kospi jumped 2.1%. Taiwan's Taiex also rallied 2.6%, supported by renewed buying in technology stocks driven by the artificial intelligence boom. Elsewhere, markets showed a more cautious tone. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index slipped 0.1%, China's Shanghai Composite edged up 0.2%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.3%. Oil rise, geopolitics weigh on sentiment. Investor sentiment remained fragile as oil prices climbed amid stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran. Brent crude rose more than $1 to $100.57 a barrel, while U.S. benchmark crude added $1.28 to $95.65. Tensions persist despite a ceasefire, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continuing to limit oil flows from the Persian Gulf. US President Donald Trump signalled a pause in diplomacy, saying: "If they want, we can talk but we're not sending people," after cancelling plans to dispatch envoys to Pakistan for further negotiations. He added on social media, "All they have to do is call!!!" Strong Wall Street cues. Asian markets drew some support from record highs on Wall Street. The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to close at 7,165.08, while the Nasdaq surged 1.6% to a record finish. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, slipped 0.2%. Chipmaker Intel stood out, soaring 23.6% after reporting stronger-than-expected earnings, marking its best performance since 1987. Focus on central banks. Markets are now turning their attention to a packed week of monetary policy decisions from major central banks, including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan and Bank of England. Currency markets were relatively steady, with the dollar easing to 159.34 yen and the euro rising to $1.1723. Despite recent gains — with the S&P 500 up nearly 13% in under a month — uncertainty around oil supply, geopolitical tensions and interest rate outlooks continues to keep investors cautious in the near term.
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Central banks will likely maintain cautious stance amid geopolitical uncertainty
مرجح · خلال أسابيع
Oil prices may remain elevated if Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue
مرجح جداً · خلال أسابيع
Tech rally may continue in near term given strong Wall Street cues and AI boom
مرجح · خلال أسابيع
أسئلة مفتوحة
- Will central banks signal rate cuts or maintain hawkish stance?
- Will Iran respond to Trump's diplomatic overtures?
- Will Strait of Hormuz disruptions worsen?
- Can tech rally sustain amid broader uncertainty?
