Closing performance of major Asian stock indices
Asian stock markets ended the session mostly lower on June 10, 2026, as investors reduced exposure to riskier assets amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns over the future path of U.S. monetary policy. At the close of trading, the region’s major benchmarks recorded the following performances:
- Nikkei 225 (Tokyo): 64,179.27 points (-1.89%)
- Hang Seng Index (Hong Kong): 24,378.90 points (-0.76%)
- Shanghai Composite Index (Shanghai): 3,993.23 points (-0.42%)
- Kospi (Seoul): 7,730.82 points (-4.52%)
South Korea’s benchmark index suffered the steepest decline, pressured by heavy selling in technology stocks and concerns about the sustainability of the recent artificial intelligence-driven rally. Japan’s stock market also posted significant losses as investors took profits on semiconductor and technology-related shares.
Middle East tensions and oil prices return to the spotlight
One of the key factors influencing Asian markets was the worsening geopolitical situation in the Middle East. In recent hours, the United States launched new military operations against Iranian infrastructure following the downing of a U.S. military helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran responded with attacks targeting assets linked to U.S. allies in the region.
Investors remain concerned about the potential impact on global energy supplies and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit corridors. Among the immediate market effects observed were:
- higher crude oil prices;
- increased risk aversion among investors;
- stronger demand for safe-haven assets;
- selling pressure on technology and cyclical sectors.
Although oil prices remained below the psychological threshold of $100 per barrel, the risk of further military escalation continued to weigh heavily on market sentiment.
U.S. inflation and technology stocks under pressure
On the macroeconomic front, investors are awaiting the release of the latest U.S. inflation data. Market expectations point to a rise in consumer prices, a scenario that could strengthen the case for additional interest-rate hikes by the Federal Reserve later this year.
Concerns about tighter monetary policy have compounded the recent weakness in global technology stocks, particularly companies linked to artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. The correction seen on Wall Street quickly spread to Asian markets, especially South Korea and Japan, where chipmakers account for a significant share of market capitalization. The main factors influencing the trading session included:
- expectations of higher U.S. inflation;
- the possibility of further Federal Reserve rate hikes;
- weakness across the global technology sector;
- escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East;
- rising energy prices.
The overall market environment remains characterized by caution. Investors will continue to closely monitor both geopolitical developments and signals from the Federal Reserve, as these factors are expected to play a decisive role in shaping market performance in the coming sessions.
Andrea Pelucchi