Asia-Pacific Markets Slip as Middle East Conflict Concerns Persist

Asia-Pacific markets opened broadly lower Wednesday as concerns grew that the Middle East conflict could drag on, after President Trump extended a U.S. ceasefire in Iran at Pakistan's request. Iranian negotiators refused to attend peace talks, calling them a 'waste of time,' delaying Vice President JD Vance's trip. Oil prices rose with WTI at $90.39 and Brent at $99.24. Japan's Nikkei fell 0.41% and Topix dropped 0.67%, while South Korea's Kospi edged up 0.16%.