Asia closes mixed amid war uncertainties and oil volatility

Major Asian stock markets closed the session mixed, with a prevalence of selling that reflects a cautious mood in global markets. Investor sentiment has been weighed down mainly by geopolitical tensions, volatility in the energy market and the wait for new signals on the direction of the global economy.

In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 index ended the session down 1.49%, settling at 57,976 points. Profit-taking particularly affected technology and industrial stocks after the strong gains recorded in recent weeks. Investors also remain cautious ahead of upcoming indications on monetary policy and the performance of the U.S. economy, factors that continue to influence Asian markets.

Hong Kong’s stock market also ended in negative territory, with the Hang Seng index closing at 26,154 points, down 1.79%. The market was mainly dragged down by technology and internet stocks, which saw profit-taking after recent advances linked to growing interest in the artificial intelligence sector.

Shanghai’s stock market was more stable, with the Shanghai Composite index holding around 4,163 points and showing limited fluctuations. The Chinese market partly benefited from macroeconomic data released recently, which indicate stronger exports in the first months of the year and confirm the strength of the country’s trade surplus.

Trading was also volatile in Seoul, where the Kospi index showed wide swings during the session, reflecting investor uncertainty in a still fragile global environment.

The international geopolitical situation remains the main factor influencing market performance. Tensions between the United States and Iran continue to keep uncertainty elevated, fueling sharp movements in the oil market. Crude prices have recorded significant swings in recent sessions, at one point losing more than 10% intraday before recovering part of the losses. Overall, market participants remain cautious, focusing on both geopolitical developments and upcoming global macroeconomic data.

Andrea Pelucchi