China Indexes Lacked Direction Amid Ongoing Middle East Uncertainties

Stocks in China attempted to rebound amid receding fears of global crude oil supply disruptions. 

The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.5%. 

Market sentiment recovered but remained fragile as investors hoped that the U.S. would provide safe passage to crude oil and natural gas products through the Strait of Hormuz in the immediate future. 

Brent crude oil prices hovered at $87.46 a barrel, despite the IEA proposing the largest release of coordinated oil reserves in their history. 

Across Asia, benchmark indexes rebounded in Japan and South Korea amid recovering sentiment and a potential resumption of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 0.1% to 25,981.77, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.5% to 4,698.45. 

Contemporary Amperex Technology jumped 6.8% to HK $587.50 after the company reported a 42% rise in annual profit in 2025. 

China Indexes Lacked Direction Amid Ongoing Middle East Uncertainties

Stocks in China attempted to rebound amid receding fears of global crude oil supply disruptions. 

The Hang Seng Index edged up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index inched higher 0.5%. 

Market sentiment recovered but remained fragile as investors hoped that the U.S. would provide safe passage to crude oil and natural gas products through the Strait of Hormuz in the immediate future. 

Brent crude oil prices hovered at $87.46 a barrel, despite the IEA proposing the largest release of coordinated oil reserves in their history. 

Across Asia, benchmark indexes rebounded in Japan and South Korea amid recovering sentiment and a potential resumption of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 0.1% to 25,981.77, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index increased 0.5% to 4,698.45. 

Contemporary Amperex Technology jumped 6.8% to HK $587.50 after the company reported a 42% rise in annual profit in 2025. 

U.S. Stocks Attempted to Rebound, Volatile Crude Oil Plunged 10%

Stocks traded sideways as investors looked to news from Iran after a wild session in the oil market. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% on speculation that the flow of oil and gas is likely to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump to back down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel. 

Trump's claims of "achieving goals" were quickly countered by top leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that Iran will decide when to "end the war." 

For now, crude oil prices dropped 11.2% to $83.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 1.3% to $5206.74 an ounce. 

U.S. Movers 

Vail Resorts declined 2.1% to $131.11 after the company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results. 

The company also lowered its outlook and blamed it on "persistent, historically challenging weather conditions in the Rockies."

U.S. Stocks Attempted to Rebound, Volatile Crude Oil Plunged 10%

Stocks traded sideways as investors looked to news from Iran after a wild session in the oil market. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% on speculation that the flow of oil and gas is likely to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump to back down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel. 

Trump's claims of "achieving goals" were quickly countered by top leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that Iran will decide when to "end the war." 

For now, crude oil prices dropped 11.2% to $83.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 1.3% to $5206.74 an ounce. 

U.S. Movers 

Vail Resorts declined 2.1% to $131.11 after the company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results. 

The company also lowered its outlook and blamed it on "persistent, historically challenging weather conditions in the Rockies."

NY TUESDAY

Stocks traded sideways as investors looked to news from Iran after a wild session in oil market. 

The S&P 500 Index decreased 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% on a speculation that flow of oil and gas is likely to resume through the Strait of Hormuz. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel. 

Trump's claims of "achieving goals" were quickly countered by top leaders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stating that Iran will decide when to "end the war." 

For now, Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce. 

U.S. Movers 

Vail Resorts declined 2.1% to $131.11 after the company reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results. 

The company also lowered its outlook, and blamed it on "persistent, historically challenging weather conditions in the Rockies."

Japan and Asia Markets Rebounded Amid Potential Easing of Tensions In Middle East

Japan's stocks rebounded, and crude oil regained previous session's losses amid a recovery in market sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared nearly 3%, the broader Topix advanced more than 2%, and the yen stabilized at 157.05 against the U.S. dollar.

Stocks in Tokyo and Asia rebounded amid expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel. 

Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce. 

Japan's fourth-quarter annual GDP growth was revised higher to 0.3% from the initial estimate of 0.1%. 

The Cabinet Office upwardly revised economic growth, following a 0.7% contraction in the third quarter, amid upward revisions to business investment, government spending, and private consumption.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 2.9% to 54,248.39, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.2% to 3,652.56. 

In Tokyo's trading, tech stocks led the rebound, and large banks and financial services providers and defense-related stocks participated in the market rally. 

Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Lasertec, and SoftBank Group gained between 5% and 14%. 

Nippon Yusen KK increased 0.6% to ¥5,592.0; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines edged up 0.6% to ¥6,001.0; and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha gained 1.4% to ¥2,613.0. 

Japan and Asia Markets Rebounded Amid Potential Easing of Tensions In Middle East

Japan's stocks rebounded, and crude oil regained previous session's losses amid a recovery in market sentiment. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average soared nearly 3%, the broader Topix advanced more than 2%, and the yen stabilized at 157.05 against the U.S. dollar.

Stocks in Tokyo and Asia rebounded amid expectations of easing tensions in the Middle East. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down from continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Despite Trump's claims, investors remained skeptical about the intentions of the U.S. and Israel. 

Brent crude oil prices dropped 5.2% to $93.70 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.7% to $176.74 an ounce. 

Japan's fourth-quarter annual GDP growth was revised higher to 0.3% from the initial estimate of 0.1%. 

The Cabinet Office upwardly revised economic growth, following a 0.7% contraction in the third quarter, amid upward revisions to business investment, government spending, and private consumption.

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 2.9% to 54,248.39, and the broader TOPIX Index advanced 2.2% to 3,652.56. 

In Tokyo's trading, tech stocks led the rebound, and large banks and financial services providers and defense-related stocks participated in the market rally. 

Tokyo Electron, Advantest Corp., Lasertec, and SoftBank Group gained between 5% and 14%. 

Nippon Yusen KK increased 0.6% to ¥5,592.0; Mitsui O.S.K. Lines edged up 0.6% to ¥6,001.0; and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha gained 1.4% to ¥2,613.0. 

China's Trade Surplus Soared In Jan-Feb Period, Stocks Rebounded

Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded amid expectations that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to de-escalate in the immediate future. 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 1% after crude oil prices eased. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down in continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Brent crude oil prices dropped 6% to $92.47 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.6% to $5173.34 an ounce. 

China's Trade Surplus Soared Amid Sustained Growth in Exports

China's exports in the first two months of 2026 soared, driven by strong shipments to member nations in the ASEAN region and the European Union.

China reports two months of data to smooth out distortions due to the Lunar New Year calendar shift.

China's goods exports soared 21.8% from a year ago in the Jan-Feb period to $656.7 billion, according to the General Customs Administration. 

The surge in global demand for Chinese renewable energy products and electric vehicles accelerated the increase from a 6% gain in December.

Imports for the two-month period rose by 19.8% from a year ago to $442.9 billion, compared to a 5.7% increase in December. 

Exports to the European Union soared 27.8% and to the ASEAN region advanced 29.4%, but shipments to the U.S. fell 11% from a year ago, respectively. 

The continued demand for electrical products, home goods, and solar panels drove higher shipments to Africa by 50% and Latin America by 16.4%.

The international trade surplus rose to $213.6 billion in the two-month period, compared to $169 billion a year ago.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 1.6% to 25,804.70, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,665.57. 

Contemporary Amperex Technology soared 9.2% to HK $549.50 after the battery maker reported its latest financial results. 

The company reported a 42% jump in annual profit in 2025, driven by strong battery sales and expansion into energy storage devices. 

China's Trade Surplus Soared In Jan-Feb Period, Stocks Rebounded

Benchmark indexes in China and Hong Kong rebounded amid expectations that the conflict in the Middle East is likely to de-escalate in the immediate future. 

The Hang Seng Index increased 1.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index gained 1% after crude oil prices eased. 

The U.S. president signaled that the U.S. may end its missile strikes at targets in Iran, claiming that the U.S. objectives in Iran were "pretty well achieved." 

The sharp jump in crude oil prices and extreme pressure from allies in the Middle East and Europe appear to have forced Donald Trump from backing down in continuing the latest military strikes in Iran.

Brent crude oil prices dropped 6% to $92.47 a barrel, and gold prices advanced 0.6% to $517.34 an ounce. 

China's Trade Surplus Soared Amid Sustained Growth in Exports

China's exports in the first two months of 2026 soared, driven by strong shipments to member nations in the ASEAN region and the European Union.

China reports two months of data to smooth out distortions due to the Lunar New Year calendar shift.

China's goods exports soared 21.8% from a year ago in the Jan-Feb period to $656.7 billion, according to the General Customs Administration. 

The surge in global demand for Chinese renewable energy products and electric vehicles accelerated the increase from a 6% gain in December.

Imports for the two-month period rose by 19.8% from a year ago to $442.9 billion, compared to a 5.7% increase in December. 

Exports to the European Union soared 27.8% and to the ASEAN region advanced 29.4%, but shipments to the U.S. fell 11% from a year ago, respectively. 

The continued demand for electrical products, home goods, and solar panels drove higher shipments to Africa by 50% and Latin America by 16.4%.

The international trade surplus rose to $213.6 billion in the two-month period, compared to $169 billion a year ago.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index added 1.6% to 25,804.70, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index advanced 1% to 4,665.57. 

Contemporary Amperex Technology soared 9.2% to HK $549.50 after the battery maker reported its latest financial results. 

The company reported a 42% jump in annual profit in 2025, driven by strong battery sales and expansion into energy storage devices. 

Sharp Jump In Crude Oil Prices Raised Stagflation Fears

Stocks on Wall Street faced additional headwinds amid rising tensions in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 index dropped 1.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 1.5% as crude oil prices surged to a four-year high at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. economy is likely to face a stagflation environment of rising inflation and slowing growth, as the oil prices surpassed the breaking point of $100 a barrel. 

West Texas Intermediate Crude jumped 13% to $112.05 a barrel amid worries of a prolonged supply disruption in the Middle East. 

Brent and Texas crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions. 

Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.

At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children. 

The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring in a prolonged and wider war in the Middle East.

As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees. 

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note advanced to 4.2%, reaching a one-month high amid worries of elevated inflation driven by higher crude oil prices.

The yields turned higher despite the U.S. economy in January shedding 92,000 jobs, according to a monthly update released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The change in December employment was revised downward by 65,000 from an increase of 48,000 to a decrease of 17,000, and January's change was downwardly revised by 4,000 from 130,000 to 126,000.

The job market appears to be weakening rapidly as employers avoid increasing staff and laying off people as the U.S. economy struggles to adjust to uncertainty injected by higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Sharp Jump In Crude Oil Prices Raised Stagflation Fears

Stocks on Wall Street faced additional headwinds amid rising tensions in the Middle East. 

The S&P 500 index dropped 1.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite decreased 1.5% as crude oil prices surged to a four-year high at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. economy is likely to face a stagflation environment of rising inflation and slowing growth, as the oil prices surpassed the breaking point of $100 a barrel. 

West Texas Intermediate Crude jumped 13% to $112.05 a barrel amid worries of a prolonged supply disruption in the Middle East. 

Brent and Texas crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions. 

Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.

At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children. 

The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring in a prolonged and wider war in the Middle East.

As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees. 

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note advanced to 4.2%, reaching a one-month high amid worries of elevated inflation driven by higher crude oil prices.

The yields turned higher despite the U.S. economy in January shedding 92,000 jobs, according to a monthly update released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The change in December employment was revised downward by 65,000 from an increase of 48,000 to a decrease of 17,000, and January's change was downwardly revised by 4,000 from 130,000 to 126,000.

The job market appears to be weakening rapidly as employers avoid increasing staff and laying off people as the U.S. economy struggles to adjust to uncertainty injected by higher tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Japan's Indexes Plunged 6% as Crude Oil Prices Spiked On Widening Crisis In Middle East

Stocks in Tokyo plunged on Monday amid worries of rising economic stress as the U.S.'s and Israel's war on Iran pushed crude oil prices to a four-year high.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average plunged nearly 7%, and the broader Topix decreased 5.2% after Brent crude oil prices soared 27% to $116.83 a barrel.

Japan relies on about 95% of its energy products from the suppliers in the Middle East, and about 70% pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions. 

Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.

At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children. 

The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring a prolonged and a wider war in the Middle East.

As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 6.7% to 51,853.93, and the broader Topix Index fell 5.2% to 3,524.24. 

Technology stocks led the sharp decline in Tokyo on Monday, as crude oil prices soared to a four-year high. 

SoftBank Group, Kioxia Holdings, Advantest Corp., Fujikura, and Lasertec dropped as much as 11%. 

Toyota Motor Corp. fell 1.5%, Honda Motor Corp. declined 5.2%, and Nissan Motor dropped 6%.

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined between 0.5% and 1.5%.   

Japan's Indexes Plunged 6% as Crude Oil Prices Spiked On Widening Crisis In Middle East

Stocks in Tokyo plunged on Monday amid worries of rising economic stress as the U.S.'s and Israel's war on Iran pushed crude oil prices to a four-year high.

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average plunged nearly 7%, and the broader Topix decreased 5.2% after Brent crude oil prices soared 27% to $116.83 a barrel.

Japan relies on about 95% of its energy products from the suppliers in the Middle East, and about 70% pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude oil prices jumped nearly 70% since Israel struck Iran on February 28. Over the weekend, Israel struck Iran's oil infrastructure, raising fears of global supply disruptions. 

Moreover, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar curtailed energy production over the weekend, as the strait remained closed for the fifth day in a row amid rapidly escalating conflict in the region.

At least fifteen nations in the Middle East are involved in the U.S. and Israel's war, which has killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, including at least 165 school children. 

The U.S. president walked back from his earlier assertions that an Iran war will be over in less than a couple of days, and investors are increasingly factoring a prolonged and a wider war in the Middle East.

As the Asian nations brace for a sharp rise in inflation, fueled by a jump in inflation, the European Union member states are worried about another spike in energy prices and a new wave of refugees. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 6.7% to 51,853.93, and the broader Topix Index fell 5.2% to 3,524.24. 

Technology stocks led the sharp decline in Tokyo on Monday, as crude oil prices soared to a four-year high. 

SoftBank Group, Kioxia Holdings, Advantest Corp., Fujikura, and Lasertec dropped as much as 11%. 

Toyota Motor Corp. fell 1.5%, Honda Motor Corp. declined 5.2%, and Nissan Motor dropped 6%.

Nippon Yusen, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha declined between 0.5% and 1.5%.   

China and Asia Indexes Plunged as Oil Prices Crossed $115

Stocks in China and Hong Kong plunged, tracking losses in Asia, as the conflict in the Middle East worsened. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 2.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index declined 1.7% as crude oil prices soared amid worries of prolonged supply disruptions. 

Brent crude oil prices jumped 25% to $116.32 a barrel after Kuwait, the UAE, and Iraq cut oil production following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz passage. 

Israel's unprovoked attacks on Iran, supported by the U.S. and UK, a week ago escalated as key Middle Eastern oil producers curtailed production amid a lack of storage facilities. 

Over the weekend, Israel struck Iranian oil storage depots and infrastructure, stoking fears of additional supply disruptions.

More than 80% of shipments of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz are destined for China, India, Japan, and Korea, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Asian nations.

Benchmark indexes in Japan dropped as much as 7%; in Korea, they fell 5%; in Australia, they declined 4%; and in Mumbai, they plunged nearly 3%. 

China 's Inflation Data Highlighted Mixed Views 

China's inflation data offered a mixed picture, and the worries of a lack of consumer demand weighed on the market sentiment. 

Consumer prices over the two-month period ending in February rose 0.8% from a year ago, according to the National Statistics Bureau. 

The two-month view smooths out the calendar shift in the Lunar Year, which arrived in February this year but fell in January last year.

Consumer prices jumped 1.3% from a year ago, largely because of the extended holiday period driving the demand higher. 

Core consumer prices over the two-month period, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, increased 1.3% from a year ago. 

China's producer price index, a measure of wholesale inflation, extended its deflation trend to the 41st month in a row in February. 

The measure of wholesale prices declined 0.9% from a year ago and narrowed the decrease from 1.4% in the previous month, the statistical agency reported in a separate report on Monday. 

However, on a monthly basis, producer prices rose 0.4%, a fifth consecutive monthly rise amid a slow recovery in demand.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 2.6% to 25,094.21, and the CSI 300 Index fell 1.7% to 4,583.49. 

Mining companies and tech stocks led the decliners in Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

Zijin Mining Group decreased 5.4% to HK $37.98, Zijin Gold International dropped 3% to HK $203.60, Alibaba Group fell 4% to HK $125.60, and Baidu Inc. fell 3.9% to HK $113.70. 

China and Asia Indexes Plunged as Oil Prices Crossed $115

Stocks in China and Hong Kong plunged, tracking losses in Asia, as the conflict in the Middle East worsened. 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 2.6%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 Index declined 1.7% as crude oil prices soared amid worries of prolonged supply disruptions. 

Brent crude oil prices jumped 25% to $116.32 a barrel after Kuwait, the UAE, and Iraq cut oil production following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz passage. 

Israel's unprovoked attacks on Iran, supported by the U.S. and UK, a week ago escalated as key Middle Eastern oil producers curtailed production amid a lack of storage facilities. 

Over the weekend, Israel struck Iranian oil storage depots and infrastructure, stoking fears of additional supply disruptions.

More than 80% of shipments of energy products through the Strait of Hormuz are destined for China, India, Japan, and Korea, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Asian nations.

Benchmark indexes in Japan dropped as much as 7%; in Korea, they fell 5%; in Australia, they declined 4%; and in Mumbai, they plunged nearly 3%. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index decreased 2.6% to 25,094.21, and the CSI 300 Index fell 1.7% to 4,583.49. 

Mining companies and tech stocks led the decliners in Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

Zijin Mining Group decreased 5.4% to HK $37.98, Zijin Gold International dropped 3% to HK $203.60, Alibaba Group fell 4% to HK $125.60, and Baidu Inc. fell 3.9% to HK $113.70.