Asian stocks subdued as Middle East tensions escalate

Asian stock markets remained subdued as tensions escalated in the Middle East, with Brent crude prices nearing US$100 per barrel. The increase in oil prices stoked inflation concerns ahead of crucial US consumer price data release. The Japanese yen strengthened against the US dollar, as traders exited short positions due to expectations of faster Bank of Japan interest rate hikes and potential capital repatriation.

The euro also edged higher, awaiting the European Central Bank's policy decision, with markets anticipating a rate hike amid inflationary pressures from the Iran war. Tensions escalated as Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen attacked several Saudi cities, involving US ally Saudi Arabia, while US forces targeted Iranian oil tankers and Iran retaliated against a US base in Jordan. This further heightened tensions in the region.

Stocks in Sydney declined by around 0.3%, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.6%, and mainland Chinese blue chips edged up 0.2%. However, a rebound in chip and AI stocks helped some regional benchmarks, with Japan's Nikkei rising 0.6% after a 1.7% drop the previous day. South Korea's Kospi jumped 1.6%, and Taiwan's Taiex increased by 0.6%.

Japanese cable makers surged after Verizon and Corning signed a deal on high-density optical fiber. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumped 1.3% overnight, despite declines on Wall Street's three main indexes.

Researcher Chris Weston noted that indecision prevailed across several major macro markets, with tight ranges and a general holding/consolidation pattern. Brent crude was considered a clear signal for market sentiment, potentially reaching a level of US$100, which traders viewed as highly achievable. Inflation worries weighed on global equities, lifting bond yields as traders priced higher odds for central bank tightening.

The US Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan were expected to raise interest rates in the coming weeks. The euro strengthened marginally ahead of the European Central Bank's decision, while the British pound held steady. Bitcoin and gold also showed modest gains during the day.