
AI-generated summary
Oil prices are influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and weather-related events. The Yemen conflict involves a Saudi-led coalition against Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Storms in the Gulf of Mexico may temporarily disrupt oil production and processing.
Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen are driving up oil prices. This is causing a bad mood among Asian investors.
Businessmen in front of a display board on the stock exchange in Tokyo: The Nikkei is trading weaker. Photo: dpa
Sydney. Rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions weighed on stock markets in Asia on Wednesday. This meant that the Asian markets were unable to benefit from the record highs on Wall Street.
A storm heading toward the Gulf of Mexico and rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen pushed oil prices higher. A barrel (159 liters) of North Sea Brent rose in price by 0.8 percent to $101.40. US oil WTI was 0.8 percent higher at $90.15. The price of gold was firmer at $4,165.53 per troy ounce.
The Nikkei index fell 0.9 percent to 70,074 points.
The broader MSCI index of Asian stocks outside Japan fell 0.3 percent.
The Shanghai stock exchange was closed due to the holiday.
As the day progresses, investors wait for the minutes of the most recent meeting of the US Federal Reserve (Fed), which they hope will provide information about future interest rates.
More: Two banks show their 18 favorites for the German stock market
rtr Published according to the editorial standards of the Handelsblatt. You can find more information in our guidelines.
More on the topic of our partners display
remind.me Take advantage of current low electricity/gas prices before prices rise again
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Oil prices will continue to rise in the near term as geopolitical tensions in Yemen continue and the Gulf of Mexico storm impacts production.
Likely · Within days
Investors will wait for minutes from the Fed's latest meeting for clues on future interest rate policy.
Very likely · Within hours

According to a media report, SpaceX wants to raise $40 billion to buy Nvidia AI chips. The financing will consist of $10 billion in bank loans and $30 billion in bonds, led by Apollo and with participation from Pimco. Completion is expected in 2027.
According to a media report, SpaceX wants to raise $40 billion to buy AI chips from Nvidia. The financing is expected to consist of $10 billion in bank loans and $30 billion in bonds, led by Apollo, with participation from Pimco. Completion is expected in 2027.

In the last six years, the German economy only grew by an average of 0.2 percent annually, with this increase being solely due to government spending. Private investment and consumption contributed nothing to growth, while state funding for the armed forces, climate protection and infrastructure supported growth. Companies' reluctance to invest, triggered by the pandemic, supply chain problems and geopolitical uncertainties, weakens production potential and prosperity in the long term.
The engine manufacturer Deutz is planning to cut 130 to 200 jobs at the main plant in Cologne by the end of 2028, in the worst case scenario up to 300 jobs. The business with small engines for tractors and pallet trucks is affected, while the defense division was strengthened by the takeover of FFG.

Florian Brenninkmeyer will become the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cofra Holding AG in April 2027, replacing Martijn Brenninkmeijer, who led the group for twelve years. The move comes as part of a strategic shift towards a stronger focus on the holding's three investment divisions, while C&A remains an important part of the portfolio.

The G7 countries have released emergency reserves of diesel and crude oil to ease supply concerns caused by the Iran war. The US stock markets then rose on Tuesday: the S&P 500 reached 7,818 points (+0.6%), the Nasdaq 27,599 points (+0.4%) and the Dow Jones 51,521 points (+0.5%). At the same time, the U.S. trade deficit grew 13.7 percent in August due to record high imports, while analysts expect third-quarter earnings growth of 30.6 percent in the S&P 500.