Asia energy stocks rise as oil rebounds on renewed Iran supply fears

Asian energy stocks climbed on Thursday as oil prices surged, driven by renewed fears of Middle East supply disruptions following heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Shares of CNOOC in Hong Kong surged 2.1%, while Santos and Woodside Energy both rose 1%. CNOOC's Shanghai shares increased 0.7%, and Japan's Eneos gained 0.3%; Inpex, however, declined 1.3%.

Despite the gains, Wall Street faced a weaker performance as the S&P 500 fell 0.8%, the Nasdaq dropped 1.1%, and the Dow lost 0.7%. The S&P 500 energy sector, however, gained about 1% as crude prices rebounded. Brent crude rose 3.9% to $103.08 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate increased 1.8% to $92.16, marking a turnaround from a series of losses.

The surge followed Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's pledge that Tehran would not back down to U.S. pressure, following President Donald Trump's threat against Iran. The rebound in oil prices also coincided with a surge in U.S. business activity in September, pushing Treasury yields higher and raising expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again at its October meeting.

The 10-year Treasury yield hit its highest level since 2007, adding to pressure on the broader stock market. Saudi Arabia has been working to restore its East-West pipeline, which was disrupted by drone attacks, while diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Iran continue to be a focus. The pipeline is crucial as it enables Saudi Arabia to transport crude to the Red Sea, circumventing the Strait of Hormuz.