Asian markets settle mostly lower on Monday
Japanese shares declined, tracking mixed cues from Wall Street and surging oil prices, while a stronger yen also contributed to the downward pressure
Asian markets settled mostly lower on Monday due to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East after weekend negotiations in Islamabad between the United States and Iran aimed at ending six weeks of war concluded without an agreement. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s announcement of US naval blockade on Iranian ports has forced Brent crude prices to surge, leaving investors cautious. The US President also warned that countries, including China, could face tariffs of up to 50% if they provide military support to Iran, though Beijing denied any involvement. Japanese shares declined, tracking mixed cues from Wall Street and surging oil prices, while a stronger yen also contributed to the downward pressure.
| Asian Indices | Last Trade | Change in Points | Change in % |
| Shanghai Composite | 3,988.56 | 2.33 | 0.06 |
| Hang Seng | 25,660.85 | -232.69 | -0.90 |
| Jakarta Composite | 7,500.19 | 41.69 | 0.56 |
| KLSE Composite | 1,680.52 | -10.79 | -0.64 |
| Nikkei 225 | 56,502.77 | -421.34 | -0.74 |
| Straits Times | 4,984.17 | -5.24 | -0.11 |
| KOSPI Composite | 5,808.62 | -50.25 | -0.86 |
| Taiwan Weighted | 35,457.29 | 39.46 | 0.11 |
