Asian stock markets opened lower on Monday as renewed geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran weighed on investor sentiment. The situation escalated after reports of US-Iran airstrikes and Tehran’s decision to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for global oil shipments.
According to FX Street, most Asian equities traded in negative territory, with South Korea's KOSPI among the affected indices. The market reaction reflects growing concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies and broader regional instability.
For Japanese investors, heightened Middle East tensions add further uncertainty to an already volatile environment, influencing risk appetite and currency movements in the FX and equities markets.