Asian markets traded in a mixed fashion as investors assessed the implications of delayed U.S. military action against Iran. The postponement of strikes on Iran\u2019s energy infrastructure gave diplomacy more time, bringing some relief but not fully dispelling worries about a prolonged conflict and ongoing disruption to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index rose 0.72%, while China\u2019s Shanghai Composite gained 0.58%. Japan\u2019s Nikkei 225 edged down 0.08%, and Australia\u2019s ASX 200 slipped 0.11%, reflecting generally cautious sentiment across the region.<\/p>\n
India\u2019s Nifty 50 declined 1.58% as foreign investors continued to withdraw record amounts from Indian equities. The persistent outflows underscored investor unease in the face of elevated geopolitical risks and fragile risk appetite.<\/p>\n
South Korean stocks were notably volatile, recovering from an earlier 3% decline but still ending lower on the day. The KOSPI fell to an over two-week low as major memory chip makers tumbled.<\/p>\n
The selloff in South Korea\u2019s chip sector followed a reported Google AI breakthrough that raised concerns about future demand for traditional memory chips. The development weighed heavily on sentiment toward the country\u2019s key technology exporters, contributing to the broader weakness in the KOSPI.<\/p>\n
Across the region, market activity reflected a muted tone for the week, with the Iran war risk cited as the dominant macro theme driving volatility across asset classes. While the delay in U.S. strikes on Iran reduced the likelihood of immediate escalation, investors remained focused on the potential for further disruption to energy markets and global trade routes.<\/p>\n
How did major Asian stock indices perform?<\/strong> What affected South Korean markets specifically?<\/strong> How did tensions with Iran influence markets?<\/strong> Why did Indian equities underperform?<\/strong>
Most Asian indices were modestly higher, with the Hang Seng Index up 0.72% and the Shanghai Composite up 0.58%. The Nikkei 225 fell 0.08%, Australia\u2019s ASX 200 declined 0.11%, and India\u2019s Nifty 50 dropped 1.58%.<\/p>\n
South Korean stocks, as measured by the KOSPI, fell to an over two-week low. Memory chip makers were hit hard after a reported Google AI breakthrough raised concerns about demand for traditional chips.<\/p>\n
Markets found some relief after U.S. President Donald Trump postponed strikes on Iran\u2019s energy infrastructure, allowing more time for diplomacy. However, concerns about a prolonged conflict and disruptions to oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz kept overall sentiment cautious.<\/p>\n
India\u2019s Nifty 50 fell 1.58% as foreign investors continued to pull out record amounts from Indian equities, reflecting sustained risk aversion toward that market.<\/p>\n